The Common Application is a standardized online college application accepted by over 1,100 colleges, allowing students to apply to multiple schools using one form. Homeschool families use it with the parent serving as both educator and school counselor.
What is Common Application?
The Common Application is the most widely used undergraduate college admissions platform in the United States. Students create one application—including personal essays, activities, and academic information—and submit it to multiple member colleges. For homeschoolers, the Common App accommodates non-traditional education through a dual-account system where the student applies as usual while a parent creates a separate counselor account to submit transcripts, school profiles, and recommendations. The platform is free to use; individual colleges charge their own application fees.
Key Takeaways
- Over 1,100 colleges and universities accept the Common App, including schools in all 50 states and internationally
- Homeschool parents serve as the school counselor, using a separate email to create a counselor account
- Required documents include transcripts, course descriptions, a school profile, and a counselor recommendation letter
- Homeschool-specific questions let you explain your educational approach, which becomes an opportunity rather than an obstacle
The Dual Account System
Homeschooling requires two Common App accounts with different email addresses. Your student creates a regular applicant account to fill out personal information, essays, and activity lists. You—the parent—create a counselor account and get "invited" by your student to submit school documents. This feels awkward at first, but colleges expect it from homeschoolers. Your intimate knowledge of your student's education is actually an advantage over traditional counselors who manage hundreds of students.
Documents You Need to Prepare
Documents You Need to Prepare
- Official Transcript
List courses, grades, and credits by year; include your grading scale
- Course Descriptions
Brief explanations of each course, especially non-traditional ones
- School Profile
1-2 pages explaining your homeschool philosophy, methods, and graduation requirements
- Counselor Letter
Written by you as parent, highlighting your student's academic and personal qualities
- Teacher Recommendations
From outside instructors if possible—co-op teachers, tutors, or dual enrollment professors
The Homeschool Supplement
When you indicate "Home School" as the school type, additional questions appear asking about your educational philosophy, instruction methods, grading approach, and any coursework not on the transcript. Think of this as prime real estate. Here you can explain why you chose homeschooling, describe your approach (classical, Charlotte Mason, eclectic), and highlight unique opportunities your student had because of homeschooling. Admissions officers read these supplements looking for context—give them a window into your educational world.
Timeline and Practical Tips
The Common App opens August 1 each year. Allow at least two months to complete everything thoroughly—gathering documents, writing and refining essays, and coordinating external recommendations takes longer than expected. Create a practice parent account well before senior year (even in middle school) to understand each section's requirements without pressure. Use the CEEB code 970000 for homeschools. Most importantly, remember that your transcript is the most critical document; invest significant time ensuring it's accurate, comprehensive, and clearly formatted.
The Bottom Line
The Common Application works well for homeschoolers once you understand the process. Your role as parent-counselor lets you present your student's education with nuance that traditional school counselors can't match. Focus on creating a thorough transcript, use the homeschool supplement to tell your story, and don't stress about questions designed for traditional schools—admissions officers know homeschool applications look different. Start early, document everything, and treat this as an opportunity to showcase the unique education your family has built.
