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The Common App

The Common Application is an online platform used by more than 1,000 colleges. It simplifies the admissions process by allowing students to complete one main application and submit it to multiple schools. However, many colleges also require supplemental essays or short answers, so it’s important to check each school’s requirements carefully.

At Special Music School (SMS), students also use Scoir, which integrates directly with the Common Application. Through Scoir, students can manage their college lists, request recommendation letters, and send transcripts, ensuring that all parts of the application process stay connected and organized.

Your Common App Checklist

The Common App has two main parts: the core application, which is sent to every school, and the supplemental materials, which differ by college

Core Application

This is your central profile, organized into the following sections:

Profile: Contact details, demographics, and citizenship.
Family: Information about your parents/guardians and their education.
Education: Your high school, current courses, and academic honors.
Testing: Self-reported SAT, ACT, or other test scores.
Activities: Extracurriculars, work experience, volunteerism, and hobbies.
Writing: Your main personal essay (650 words).
Courses & Grades: A detailed self-report of your coursework and grades (if required by your high school).

These supporting documents are sent to specific colleges based on their requirements.

High School Transcript: An official record from your school that lists your grades, courses taken, and grade point average (GPA)
Letters of Recommendation: Students generally request two recommendations, usually from 11th-grade teachers,
Official Test Scores: Sent directly from testing agencies (if applicable).
College-Specific Supplements: Additional questions or essays for each school.
Portfolios or Auditions: For programs in the arts (if required).
Interviews: An optional or required conversation with an alumni representative

Application Form: This is the main form that collects your details, academic history, and extracurricular activities. The Common App allows you to apply to multiple schools using a single form.

Transcripts: You will need to submit your high school transcripts, which list your grades, courses taken, and overall academic performance.

Letters of Recommendation: Many colleges require letters from teachers, school counselors, or others who can speak to your character and academic abilities.

Essays: Most colleges ask for personal statements or supplemental essays where you can showcase your personality, interests, and reasons for applying to that school. These essays provide an opportunity to stand out beyond your grades and test scores.

Application Fees: Most colleges charge an application fee, but fee waivers are available for students with financial need—see your counselor for help.

SMS & SCOIR

Starting with the rising class of 2026, Special Music School will be using Scoir to track, organize, and submit college applications. All SMS seniors have a Scoir account, which they can sign into at https://app.scoir.com/student/dashboard.

Find your best-fit college by personalizing college discovery.

Add your college preferences
Shake up your preferences with the college match quiz
Follow schools that interest you
React to suggestions from your supporters
Review colleges similar to your list

Connect with your supporters and feel confident about your college applications.

Collaborate on your list with counselors and parents/guardians
Direct message to organize your conversations
Make meaningful connections with colleges
Manage your fee waivers, letters of rec, and more

When you’re ready to apply, Scoir offers a faster and easier way to begin. If you see the you can apply with Scoir.

Stress less. Your basic info is pre-populated!
Enter your application info just once
Make progress on multiple applications at once