What’s New on the Common App for 2025–2026? A Guide for Students and Families

Written by Maggie Martin

The Common Application is getting its biggest refresh in years — and we’re here to walk you through the updates that you need to know as you begin your application journey. Here's what’s changing and how you can be prepared.

A New Look: Easier, Cleaner, More Helpful

The entire Common App interface is being redesigned to be more accessible and user-friendly. Expect:

• A personalized dashboard showing your progress

• Clearer navigation with "My Common Application" coming before "My Colleges"

• Streamlined tools for managing your tasks and deadlines

• You can preview the new design here: commonapp.org/blog

Essay Prompts: No Surprises Here

Good news — the personal essay prompts are staying the same for 2025–26. So if you’ve already been brainstorming or drafting, you’re on the right track.

New Questions to Give Colleges More Context

Three major changes to the questions:

1. "Additional Information" is now 300 words (down from 650). Be brief and to the point.

2. The COVID-19 disruption question has evolved into a broader “Challenges and Circumstances” prompt (250 words max), allowing you to share any hardship — not just pandemic-related ones.

3. A new “Responsibilities and Circumstances” checklist in the Activities section gives students a chance to highlight things like caregiving, work obligations, or personal challenges.

ACT Score Reporting Is More Flexible

If you’ve taken the ACT without Science or Writing, don’t worry. You can now report exactly what sections you took — no need to stress over missing components.

Direct Admissions: You Might Get Into College Before You Even Apply

Starting this September, eligible students (especially first-gen and low-income) could receive automatic offers of admission from colleges participating in Common App’s Direct Admissions program. Offers come with waived application fees and often fewer requirements.

Scholarships That Find YOU

Through a partnership with Scholarship America, Common App now matches students with scholarships before they even submit an application. In 2024–25, over $4.8 million was awarded through this program.

Community Colleges Join the Common App

Illinois led the way, but more states are joining. Now, students can apply to community colleges using Common App — a huge win for access and flexibility.

Don’t Forget: Roll Over Your Account

If you're working on your Common App now (before August 1), your answers in sections like Profile, Education, Activities, and Writing will carry over to the 2025–26 app. But: College-specific responses, FERPA releases, and recommender invites will not roll over. The 2024–25 app shuts down July 28, so download your data beforehand!