Georgetown University has announced it will begin accepting applications through the Common Application platform starting with the 2026-2027 admissions cycle. This move will significantly streamline the application process for students targeting fall 2027 enrollment, particularly current high school freshmen.
The Common Application, a widely-used centralized college application system, allows students to submit materials to multiple institutions simultaneously, dramatically improving application efficiency.
Among the top 50 undergraduate programs in the United States, several notable institutions still decline to participate in the Common App system, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of California campuses in Los Angeles and Berkeley.
Application Updates for 2026
For the upcoming 2026 application season, the Common App will maintain its main essay prompts for the third consecutive year. However, significant changes are coming to the "Additional Information" section.
The platform will rename the "Community disruption" question to "Challenges and circumstances," broadening its scope to encompass a wider range of social and personal factors that influence applicants' backgrounds. This modification aims to provide admissions officers with more comprehensive context about each candidate.
New Word Limits Implemented
Applicants will face stricter word limits in the Additional Information section. First-year applicants must now condense their responses to 300 words, down from the previous 650-word allowance. Transfer students face an even more dramatic reduction, with their character limit dropping from 3,500 to 1,500 characters.
These changes will likely force applicants to be more selective and precise in describing their experiences and qualifications, potentially raising the bar for effective personal storytelling in college applications.
Simplifying the Application Landscape
Georgetown's decision to join the Common App reflects a growing trend among selective institutions to simplify the application process. The move provides students with more options while demonstrating universities' commitment to streamlining admissions procedures.
For prospective applicants, particularly those just beginning their high school careers, this development represents a positive shift toward greater accessibility in elite college admissions.