The Common Application (Common App) is a widely used undergraduate admission platform accepted by over 1,000 colleges and universities across the U.S. and internationally, managed by a non-profit association and an 18-member board. Founded in 1975 with just 15 northeastern schools, it launched its first online application in 1998 and began allowing public universities to join in 2000. The platform simplifies the process by letting students fill out one form for multiple schools, which often boosts member colleges' application volume by up to 25% and increases out-of-state applicants. In 2021, it introduced a direct admissions program to offer students spots without a formal application, aiming to boost confidence and diversity. It faces competition from alternatives like the Coalition Application (created in 2015) and the Common Black College Application (started in 1998 for HBCUs), while offering separate forms for first-year and transfer students with optional school-specific supplements.