PodParley PodParley

The Common App

The Common Application, known as the Common App, started in 1975 as a paper form accepted by about a dozen institutions—mostly liberal arts colleges. The aim was to streamline the application process, thereby opening the doors of higher education to a larger, more diverse population. Today, over 900 colleges and universities across the globe accept the Common App, which, as it harnesses technology, continues to expand access for millions of students. Lee Coffin talks with Jenny Rickard, President and CEO of the organization, about changes in form and content that she hopes will make the college application process less daunting and more equitable.

Episode 4 of the Admissions Beat podcast, hosted by Charlotte Albright, Jenny Rickard, titled "The Common App" was published on November 12, 2021 and runs 49 minutes.

November 12, 2021 ·49m · Admissions Beat

0:00 / 0:00

The Common Application, known as the Common App, started in 1975 as a paper form accepted by about a dozen institutions—mostly liberal arts colleges. The aim was to streamline the application process, thereby opening the doors of higher education to a larger, more diverse population. Today, over 900 colleges and universities across the globe accept the Common App, which, as it harnesses technology, continues to expand access for millions of students. Lee Coffin talks with Jenny Rickard, President and CEO of the organization, about changes in form and content that she hopes will make the college application process less daunting and more equitable.

The Common Application, known as the Common App, started in 1975 as a paper form accepted by about a dozen institutions—mostly liberal arts colleges. The aim was to streamline the application process, thereby opening the doors of higher education to a larger, more diverse population. Today, over 900 colleges and universities across the globe accept the Common App, which, as it harnesses technology, continues to expand access for millions of students. Lee Coffin talks with Jenny Rickard, President and CEO of the organization, about changes in form and content that she hopes will make the college application process less daunting and more equitable.

Preface

Apr 11, 2026 ·2m

The Wonder Child

Apr 11, 2026 ·8m

The Little Virtuoso

Apr 11, 2026 ·18m

In the Wide World

Apr 11, 2026 ·18m

At the Imperial Court

Apr 11, 2026 ·26m

The Second Violin

Apr 11, 2026 ·19m

URL copied to clipboard!