Common App Changes 2025–26: What You Need to Know

The Common App has announced key updates for the 2025–26 admissions cycle. While the overall structure stays familiar, changes to the Additional Information section, demographic questions, and platform design could affect how students present their applications.

Here is a breakdown of the most important updates to help you prepare.

Additional Information Section: Major Restructure

The Additional Information section has been split into two parts for 2025–26.

First, there is a new “Challenges and Circumstances” question. Students can use up to 250 words to explain any major disruptions that impacted their education. This could include illness, family responsibilities, financial hardship, or natural disasters.

Second, the general Additional Information section, where students could previously share extra context up to 650 words, has had its word limit reduced to 300 words. Students are encouraged to be more selective about what they include.

Both sections are optional. Only use them if you have information that adds genuine context to your application.

Essay Prompts: Staying the Same

The main Common App personal essay prompts are unchanged for 2025–26.

Students can still choose from seven options, including prompts about personal growth, challenges overcome, gratitude, or a topic of their choice. The maximum word count remains 650 words.

Keeping the prompts stable gives applicants the chance to start drafting essays early without worrying about unexpected changes.

Activities Section: No Major Changes

The Activities section remains familiar for 2025–26.

Students can continue to report up to 10 activities, each described in up to 150 characters. Activities might include school clubs, sports, part-time work, family duties, community service, or personal projects.

The focus should still be on showing depth of involvement, leadership, and impact, rather than simply listing many activities.

Demographic Questions: Expanded Options

Updates to the Profile section have made the Common App more inclusive.

There are now expanded gender identity options, including the ability to select “X (Another legal sex)” and list pronouns. Ethnicity options have been updated to better represent diverse backgrounds, including a separate category for Middle Eastern and North African heritage.

These questions are still optional and will not affect admissions decisions.

New Look for the Common App

Students will notice a refreshed design when the Common App opens on 1 August 2025.

The platform will feature a cleaner, more intuitive layout. Navigation has been improved for better accessibility, but the overall structure of completing and submitting applications remains the same.

Students familiar with the previous version should adjust quickly, with no major changes to the steps involved.

Final Thoughts

The 2025–26 Common App updates encourage clearer communication and focus. Students should take time to think carefully about how to use the new Additional Information structure and take advantage of the stable essay prompts to craft strong personal statements.

Starting early and staying organised will be key. If you would like expert advice on your overseas university application, book a free consultation with Ed Carpet today and take the first step toward your goals.