The Common Application (Common App) is due soon. Most applications on Common App are due January 1st, but make sure to check your specific schools in case they have unique deadlines.

So, what is the Common App, and why is it important to you as an athlete?

The Common App is one application that you fill out and use to apply to multiple schools at once. Just like any college application, it asks for important documents, personal statements, essay questions, and other personal information. But, rather than having to do this for every school you apply for, you only have to do it once.

When applying to college, there are two types of athletes: those who know exactly where they want to go, whether they'll be accepted, and whether they have a spot on the team; and those who want to keep their options open until it's time to make a decision.

For the former, applying early decision or early action is usually the best option. For the latter, the Common App is your best friend. It will allow you to apply for all the schools you're interested in, so you can keep coaches up to date throughout your recruiting process. It keeps the door open to many different opportunities and lets you gauge where you'd fit in academically, while meeting with coaches and teams lets you know where you'd fit in athletically.

* Originally published on December 1, 2021, by Jaime Evers