Common App Sees Increase in Early Applications

Through Dec. 1 (an application deadline for some institutions), the Common Application has received 1,077,900 applications for various early-decision programs. That covers all kinds of early decision -- including nonbinding. While it is hard to compare year-to-year interest because the Common Application accepts some new member colleges each year, that total is 17 percent higher than it was a year ago.

Officials of the Coalition for Access, Affordability and Success and the Universal College Application -- two competitors of the Common Application -- declined to release figures.