The Common Application
The Common Application, an online or in print admissions form, can be submitted to almost 400 colleges and universities.
Why Use It?
Once completed online or in print, copies of the Application for Undergraduate Admission can be sent to any number of participating colleges. The same is true of the School Report, Midyear Report, Final Report and Teacher Evaluation forms. This allows you to spend less time on the busywork of applying for admission, and more time on what's really important: college research, visits, essay writing, and senior year coursework.
Above information is excerpted from: https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/FAQ.aspx
As with all applications, it is suggested that you print a PDF copy of the application and complete a “rough draft” prior to either online or print submission of application. This ensures that you have complete and accurate submissions.
Important links to common application: