Last updated June 25, 2026

In this article

• What is the Common Black College Application (CBCA)?
• How does it work?
• How much does it cost?
• Who is eligible to use this application?
• What do I need to apply?
• How do I apply?
• How long does it take to hear back from colleges?

Want to apply to some great Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) without the expensive application fees? Use the Common Black College Application (CBCA)! In this article, we share what to know about the Common Black College Application. 

What is the Common Black College Application (CBCA)?

The Common Black College Application is an affordable college application that can be used to apply to multiple HBCUs across the country at once. This application is great for students who want to apply to HBCUs while cutting down on traditionally high college application costs.

How does it work?

The CBCA partners with over 50 HBCUs in the U.S. to allow students to apply to them at an affordable cost. When completing the CBCA, you will be prompted to select the top four schools you’re most interested in attending. Some schools will receive your application even if you don’t include them in your top four, while others won’t. If you didn’t select a school in your top four and want your application to be processed by them, be sure to contact them by phone or email to let them know you’re interested in being considered for admission. 

How much does it cost?

The application only costs a one-time fee of $20. If you are asked by a school that partners with the CBCA to complete another application or pay another application fee, be sure to contact them and let them know you applied using the CBCA. There should not be any additional fees.

Who is eligible to use this application?

All prospective and current college students can apply to HBCUs using the CBCA.

What do I need to apply?

Similar to The Common App, you must include these things on your application:

• Personal information (name, address, Social Security number, etc.)
• Official transcript*
• Approximate cumulative high school GPA
• Extracurricular activities you’ve participated in (sports, clubs, etc.)
• Your intended major
• Your list of top four HBCUs

*Your official transcript is needed to submit your application. When you apply, enter your counselor’s name and email address. They’ll receive an email to create an account, enter your application dashboard, and upload your transcript. When you apply, you will also need to enter your school’s CEEB code. Your counselor cannot upload your transcript without it. Not sure what your school’s CEEB code is? Find it here.

Most schools that partner with the CBCA don’t require letters of recommendation and essays, so you won’t need to submit either on your application. If you still want to send specific schools either of these materials, reach out to them directly to learn where and how to submit them.

How do I apply?

1. Head to the CBCA website to begin.
2. Click “Apply Now” at the top of the page.
3. Enter the student application portal.
4. Create your account.
5. Select “Click here to get started.”
6. Complete your application.
7. Pay the $20 application fee.

How long does it take to hear back from colleges?

While your application is sent immediately to schools, their decision timelines may vary. Be sure to check your CBCA dashboard and email often so you don’t miss any important updates.

Do you have any questions about the CBCA? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated June 18, 2026

In this article

• Where do I find my colleges’ applications?
• How much does it cost to apply to college?
• What should I write my application essay/personal statement about?
• How many colleges should I apply to?
• How can I stay organized during the application process?
• Who should write my letters of recommendation? When should I ask for a letter of recommendation?
• Do I need to take standardized tests (SAT/ACT)?
• When are my applications due?

Before you start researching schools and building your college list, it’s important to understand how college applications work and what will be expected of you when it’s time to submit them. Here are some frequently asked questions (and our answers) about college applications. 

Where do I find my colleges’ applications?

Depending on where you’re applying, you will either use a college’s specific application or the Common App. If you plan to apply to multiple Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), we recommend using the Common Black College Application, which allows you to apply to up to 66 for $20. Learn more.

How much does it cost to apply to college?

College application fees vary depending on a variety of factors, including how many schools you’re applying to, which application(s) you’re submitting, and which supplemental materials you must submit with them. For example, in addition to standard application fees, you may have to spend a bit more to request transcripts from your high school or send your SAT/ACT scores to colleges. 

The actual cost of applications alone will vary depending on where you’re applying. Of the ~1,000 colleges that accept the Common App, more than 325 don’t have an application fee. (Common App offers fee waivers for eligible students.) If you’re using a college’s individual application, there may be fees to submit. However, some schools may offer fee waivers to eligible students. If you’re not sure whether you qualify for a fee waiver from any of your colleges, check in with your counselor. Overall, be sure to do your research in advance of submitting so you understand more or less how much it will cost to apply to each of your colleges. 

What should I write my application essay/personal statement about? 

The goal of application essays and personal statements is to present your truest and most authentic self–things about you that can’t be simply explained in your resume, test scores, or transcripts. These types of essays should show reflection, personal growth, and a commitment to your goals in college and beyond.

The Common App has seven essay prompts for students to choose from. We recommend choosing a prompt that resonates with you and will best help you tell your story. What you decide to write about based on these prompts is totally up to you, but it’s important to make sure your essay is well-structured, shows personal growth, and doesn’t repeat things that can be found in your application. Your college may also have their own prompts they want you to answer. If you are given a choice, choose one that helps you best tell your story. 

Check out all of our resources to help you write a strong college application essay or personal statement! Finished your draft and need a second opinion? Send it to us for free review!

How many colleges should I apply to?

The amount of colleges you apply to is totally up to you! However, the more schools you apply to, the more fees there are likely to be. Organize your list of schools into three categories: Reach, Match, and Solid schools.

• Reach schools are the ones you dream of going to, but are a bit more competitive to get into due to things like small acceptance rates, minimum GPAs or test scores, or even high costs of tuition.
• Match schools are the ones you feel confident about getting accepted to, even if they’re not necessarily at the very top of your list.
• Solid schools are the ones you have a strong chance of getting admitted to. Your test scores, GPA, or coursework typically match those of other incoming students at these schools.

These categories will be different for everyone. Find out where each of your colleges fit within these categories by taking a look at their average admitted student GPA and ACT/SAT test scores and comparing them with your own. We recommend applying to at least one of each type of school above to give yourself options. 

How can I stay organized during the application process?

Use our free college application requirements tracker (available both as a Google Doc and Google Sheet) to stay organized while you apply!  

Who should write my letters of recommendation? When should I ask for a letter of recommendation? 

Letters of recommendation should come from those who know you best in an academic, professional, or extracurricular setting. This can include people like educators, coaches, bosses, supervisors, and mentors. Your recommenders should be able to speak to your talents, work ethic, accomplishments, and goals. We recommend creating a brag sheet to give to your recommenders so they know which skills and experience you’d like them to highlight based on your relationship with them. Ask for letters of recommendation as early as possible–at least a month before your applications are due.

Do I need to take standardized tests (SAT/ACT)?

It depends on where you’re applying. While many colleges are now test optional or test blind after the pandemic, some schools have begun bringing back SAT/ACT requirements for admission. Be sure you’re aware of what your colleges require so you know whether to take these exams or how much they will be taken into consideration when applying.

When are my applications due?

Each college will have their own application deadline. Generally, however, there are four college application deadlines you should be aware of: 

1. Early action. This is a period of time (usually in October or November) where you can submit an application and be considered for admission before other applicants. Applications submitted through early action are non-binding, meaning if you get accepted to a school, you can either accept or decline to attend. Early action is ideal for students who want to submit their applications early while keeping their options open. 
2. Early decision. Early decision is similar to early action in that you can apply before most applicants. However, with early decision, you must commit to the school you are accepted to and withdraw all of your other applications. Early decision is ideal for students who are certain about where they want to attend. 
3. Regular decision. A majority of students apply to college under regular decision deadlines, which are usually in January or February of their senior year. Colleges typically send their decisions in March or April and require students to commit by May 1.
4. Rolling admission. When a college has rolling admission, there’s no deadline to apply. The application window will stay open until all spots in a class have been filled. Colleges with rolling admission are great options for students who are uncertain about their college goals and need a bit more time to get their applications together. 

Do you have any other questions about colleg applications? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated June 16, 2026

In this article

• Start Early
• Stay Organized
• Be Yourself & Follow Your Heart
• Be Persistent
• Finances/FAFSA
• Practice Self-Care

The process of applying to college can be intimidating, but who better to offer guidance than students who have recently been through it themselves? We asked college students across the country to give advice to high schoolers navigating their college application journeys. Read more below to learn from their experiences and take your next steps with confidence! 

Note: Some responses have been slightly edited for clarity. 

Start Early

Starting your research early will give you plenty of time to explore your many college options! The more informed you are, the easier you may find it to start taking steps toward applying. Get started:

• Read these articles to help you choose your path.
• Download our Get Accepted Guide, which walks you through every step of the college application process.
• Download and use our free College List Builder.

Stay Organized

Keeping all of your application materials organized can reduce stress when you’re applying. Start getting organized: 

• Use our College Application Requirements Tracker to keep track of deadlines and deliverables.
• Learn how to keep your email organized for school.

Be Yourself & Follow Your Heart

No matter what you do after high school, you deserve to feel happy and fulfilled! While we recognize that there are many practical and financial considerations when choosing your path, we echo what these students said above: you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to! Take some time to complete our Self-Exploration Worksheet to identify your values, skills, and goals to make your vision for your future even clearer. 

It’s also worth mentioning that when applying to any postsecondary institution, especially four-year colleges and universities, authenticity matters! Good grades and test scores tell one story, but your values, goals, and interests tell another. Don’t be afraid to show off your personality in your college applications. Whether you love cooking, know three languages, or experienced something that changed your point of view on an issue, be sure to talk about it on your application and in your essays! Get started:

• Read about how to make your college application stand out.
• Learn from these students about how they discovered and pursued their passions in college.

Be Persistent 

Navigating college, careers, and life requires persistence and determination! Persistence is an essential life skill that helps you overcome obstacles and face challenges with confidence. Learn more about what it means to be persistent and advocate for yourself to achieve your goals:

• Learn from these students about how they received the support needed to persist in college.
• Take steps to start building self-confidence.
• Read about why being assertive and advocating for yourself matters.

Finances/FAFSA

Finances are a very important consideration when deciding which path to take. Exploring financial aid options, comparing prices between schools and programs, and learning about smart money management practices now can set you up for long-term financial success. Learn more here:

• Use our Scholarship Finder to find and apply for 21,000+ college scholarships.
• Keep your scholarship applications organized with our Scholarship Application Requirements Tracker.
• Learn about the FAFSA and state aid for college.
• Learn about money management.

Practice Self-Care

Remember, you can’t take care of everything if you’re not taking care of yourself. With so many life changes happening, set aside time to rest, recharge, and focus on your well-being. Learn more: 

• Read our self-care resources.
• Know when and how to ask for help.

Do you have any questions about applying to college? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated September 3, 2025

In this article

• Income Fee Waivers
• Campus Waivers 
• Common App

College application costs can add up quickly depending on the number of schools you’re applying to. Fortunately, there are a few different ways to receive fee waivers that reduce those costs! In this article, we share what you need to know about college application fee waivers. 

Note: While we do not offer funding for college application fee waivers, we’re here to empower you with the knowledge needed to apply to college. Learn more here!

Income Fee Waivers

There are multiple ways a student can be identified as income-eligible for an application fee waiver:

• You are enrolled in or are eligible to participate in the Federal Free or Reduced-Price Lunch (FRPL) program.
• You have received or are eligible to receive an SAT or ACT fee waiver.
• Your family is receiving public assistance.
• You are enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g., GEAR UP or TRIO programs such as Upward Bound).
• You live in federally subsidized public housing, a foster home, or are experiencing homeless.
• You have received or are eligible to receive the Pell Grant.
• You can provide a supporting statement from a school official, college access counselor, financial aid officer, or community leader.

If you qualify for a fee waiver and have taken the SAT with a fee waiver or as part of an SAT School Day administration in high school, you’ll automatically receive college application fee waivers in your online College Board account. You can use these when applying to participating colleges for the next academic year. It’s important to note that not all colleges accept application fee waivers, so be sure to do your research before applying. If you think you’re eligible for college application fee waivers but didn’t receive them in your College Board account, talk to an educator or guidance counselor at your high school.

Campus Waivers 

In addition to being income-eligible, some colleges will allow you to request an application fee waiver directly from them. While you could be denied a fee waiver, your request will not affect your admissions decision.

Common App

Nearly half of the colleges that use the Common App don’t have an application fee. Use their college search tool to identify colleges with reduced or no application fees.

Do you have any questions about college application fee waivers? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated June 25, 2026

In this article

• What you’ll need
• Starting the Common App
• How does the Common App work?
• When is the Common App due?
• Application fees

Many students applying to college use the Common App – a college application accepted by over 1,000 colleges and universities around the world. Instead of having to create an account on each college’s website and fill out separate applications, you can conveniently fill out this application once to save time (and money) when applying to schools! In this article, we’ll show you how to submit the Common App.

What you’ll need

When you sit down to complete the Common App, give yourself enough time (at least a few hours) to complete it fully. Here’s what you’ll need to complete the application:

• A copy of your high school transcript. Your transcript is an official record of all the classes you took and grades you received in high school. When completing the application, you can “Invite a Counselor” using their email address so they can submit your official transcript and any other required materials for your application, like letters of recommendation. If you have completed (or are working on) any college courses through dual enrollment or similar programs, you may need to submit a transcript from both your current high school and your college.
• Extracurriculars. Be sure to include all the relevant extracurricular activities you participated in during high school, like work, clubs, sports, hobbies, or family responsibilities.
• Test scores (SAT, ACT). Different schools have different testing requirements. Some require test scores, while others may be test-optional or not accept scores at all. Check to make sure you meet the requirements of each school you’re applying to.
• Your parent/guardian’s information. This will include things like their employment status and the highest level of education they completed.
• Academic achievements and honors. This can include things like making honor roll, winning a competitive academic contest, or joining the Honor Society. 

Starting the Common App

To begin, you will need to create an account. When registering, you will need to give information such as your name, address, phone number, email, and date of birth.

How does the Common App work?

Here’s a breakdown of the different sections/tabs you’ll see on your dashboard:

My Common Application

The dashboard of your account is called My Common Application. On this page, you will see the progress you’ve made on your application and any missing sections you still need to complete. This includes your family information, education history, test scores, extracurricular activities you’ve participated in, grades, and your essay(s). The Common App gives you seven different prompts to choose from; choose one that feels most relevant to you and the story you want to share. 

Want a second opinion on your college essays or personal statements? We can help! Submit them to us for free review – we’ll have them back to you within 10 days with personalized, actionable feedback.

College Search

Click on the “College Search” tab to search for the colleges you plan to apply to and add them to your list. Not sure where you want to apply yet? Check out our guide on building your college list to explore and apply to colleges that interest you and align with your goals.

My Colleges

After you add your colleges to your list, they can be found under the “My Colleges” tab. By clicking on a specific college, you can see a breakdown of its application requirements, deadlines, and fees. Different schools may have different deadlines, so be sure you’re submitting your application ahead of each.

Be sure to click on the “Recommenders & FERPA” sub-tab when looking at each individual school under the “My Colleges” tab. You need to complete the FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) Release Authorization to allow your schools to release your academic information to the colleges you are applying to. After you complete the authorization, you can then invite those writing you letters of recommendation as well as your counselor to submit your School Report and any other required forms.

Financial Aid

Under the “Financial Aid” tab, you will find information about types of financial aid and scholarships you may be eligible to apply for.

Source: Common App

When is the Common App due?

The Common App due date or deadline depends on the colleges you’re applying to and the type of application (Early Action, Early Decision, or Regular Decision). Here are some general deadlines:

• Early Action / Early Decision: Typically November 1 or November 15
• Regular Decision: Usually January 1 or January 15
• Rolling Admissions: Varies by school

Double-check the deadlines for each college on the Common App website or the school’s admissions page.

Application fees

More than 600 of the colleges that accept the Common App don’t have an application fee. For those that do, you may be able to request an application fee waiver. Learn more about fee waivers. 

Do you have any questions about applying to college? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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