Counselors and recommenders
This year, you’ll support more than one million students applying to college. You have their backs. That’s why we have yours.
Counselors and recommenders
This year, you’ll support more than one million students applying to college. You have their backs. That’s why we have yours.
Who is a student supporter?
A counselor will use the Common App recommender system to submit school forms like transcripts and evaluations and track student application progress. If a counselor uses a Common App integration partner, they will submit forms through the partner. A student can invite one person as their counselor.
A teacher supports a student by submitting an academic evaluation on their behalf. Not all colleges require a teacher recommendation.
Other recommenders are invited by students to submit a written evaluation on their behalf. Some examples of other recommenders are coaches, employers, and college access advisors. Not all colleges require or accept evaluations from other recommenders.
An advisor is anyone assisting a student with their application. This could be a mentor, college access advisor, independent consultant, or family member. Advisors can review a student’s application and track their progress through the Common App recommender system. Students can invite up to 3 advisors. Advisors do not submit any forms. Colleges will also not receive any information about advisors.
Using Common App as a recommender
The Common App recommender system is a free tool designed to simplify the recommendation process and assist students with post-secondary applications.
Recommender guide
Access all the resources you need to complete your recommendations within the Common App system.
Supporter resources
Explore colleges
Help your students search, explore, and virtually tour over 1,000 Common App member colleges across the globe.
Order a Common App map
Request a free national or regional map poster of Common App member colleges for your office or classroom.
Create a practice account
Create a Common App practice student account as an education professional to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of navigating the application.
Tutorials
Check out Common App’s YouTube channel for video tutorials that walk students through different sections of the application.
Access resources
Discover our toolkit of college application resources in English and Spanish.
View research
Follow application trends and learn key insights from our research briefs and state reports.
Free training
Request in-person and virtual training for schools, districts, and organizations. These sessions can be tailored for your specific audience.
Stay informed
Keep up with all things Common App and get our monthly digest of news and updates.
College prep checklists
Use these five checklists, one for each year from middle school through senior year, to keep students on track.
First-year application guide
This guide walks students through building and submitting their first-year application through Common App.
Military-connected checklist
Whether starting college or completing your degree, we're here to help. Use this checklist to explore your options and access important resources.
Transfer resource center
Help students learn about the transfer process — including credit evaluations, paying for college, and additional support for military-connected or parenting students.
Transfer application guide
This guide walks students through building and submitting their transfer application through Common App.
Account rollover
Account rollover allows students to start their applications at any time, even if they don't plan to apply for a few years.
Family resources
Check out our tips for families to support their students on the path to college.