The Common App Map is a great interactive way to see which universities accept Common App. Empower students to explore and expand their college choices with Common App Maps. The maps inspire students to expand their research beyond familiar institutions by presenting more. As you can see from the list above, generally speaking, private and liberal arts schools tend to use Common App. All Ivy League universities plus top non-Ivy League schools like Stanford, Northwestern, Vanderbilt. These are the most common activities and are most often seen by admissions committees. They include general membership in sports clubs, music clubs and general volunteering. If you're wondering where your extracurricular activities fit in the tier system, check out our free luck engine. We will let you know if your profile is competitive. This section allows universities to understand your passions, talents and contributions beyond the classroom. 5. Essay Writing: One of the most crucial aspects of the Common Application is the personal essay. Create a compelling narrative that highlights your unique qualities, experiences and aspirations.