50 years of expanding
access to higher education
For 50 years, Common App has helped millions of students unlock opportunities, break down barriers and achieve their post-secondary dreams. What started in 1975 as a simple way to streamline college applications has grown into a global force for equity in education.
Today, Common App serves over 1,100 colleges and universities and has helped millions of students — especially first-generation and underrepresented applicants — navigate the admissions process with confidence.
Join us in honoring this legacy by sharing your own Common App story and helping us shape the next 50 years of impact.
Celebrate with us
Explore the moments, events and stories that bring Common App’s milestone anniversary to life.
50 years of impact
1975
A group of 15 colleges and universities come together to streamline the college application process
1994
Common App becomes available on the floppy disk
1998
Common App goes online
2001
First public institution joins the Common App
2002
Common App is granted 501(c)(3) status by the IRS
2004
First executive director starts
2008
Creation of school forms
2014
Pivot toward independence, acquiring nearly 50 new staff members and bringing technology and service in-house
2015
Common App changes membership requirements, opening membership to any not-for-profit, accredited, undergraduate degree-granting institution
2017
Common App surpasses 1 million first-year and transfer applicants
2022
Common App reaches 1,000 member colleges and universities
2024
Surpassed 1.5 million first-year and transfer applicants
Impact stories
In honor of our 50th, we’re sharing stories from students, counselors, educators and partners whose journeys have been shaped by Common App. These firsthand accounts highlight the power of opportunity, perseverance and the impact of a shared mission to break down barriers in college admissions. Explore their stories and be inspired to share your own.
Zion Bryan
Student
"Common App is only the first step towards a world of opportunities."