Common App 2026–2027: What's New (and What's Not)

The 2026–2027 Common App opens on August 1, and one of the best ways to reduce stress during senior year is to get started early. Use this time to brainstorm your college list, draft your personal statement, and begin thinking about your activities and accomplishments. Starting now means you'll have more time to refine your application instead of rushing to meet fall deadlines. 

The good news for seniors and families is that this year the Common App includes only a handful of updates, making it a great year to focus on what matters most: your essays, activities, and college list.

The biggest change is the renaming of the Activities section to Activities and Experiences. This update reflects a broader view of what counts as a meaningful experience. Students can now include family responsibilities, hobbies, and informal work more naturally, and the leadership/title field is now optional.

Other updates include:

• No changes to the seven personal statement prompts, so students can continue working on essays without worrying about revisions.

• Clearer fee waiver information, allowing students to see which colleges accept the Common App fee waiver before they apply.

• Improved support for independent applicants, with fewer required questions about parents and siblings.

• Minor updates to citizenship and standardized testing questions to improve clarity.

One exciting addition this year is the continued expansion of Common App Direct Admissions, which allows some eligible students to receive non-binding admission offers from participating colleges before submitting an application.

As always, remember that the Common App resets on August 1. Basic account information carries over, but college-specific questions, recommender invitations, FERPA authorization, and supplemental responses do not. If you're planning ahead, it's best to wait until after August 1 to complete those sections.

This is a relatively quiet year for Common App changes, which is great news. Students can spend less time learning a new application and more time showcasing who they are through thoughtful essays, meaningful activities, and a well-planned college application strategy.