What is the Common Black App?
You’re now at the point where you’ve researched the many historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and narrowed down a list of schools you’d like to apply to. The next step is to apply and wait for that life-changing email to land in your inbox.
Many HBCUs use an online application known as the Common Black Application (CBCA) to review students’ applications. Founded in 1998 by Robert Mason, a Clark Atlanta University alumni, the CBCA was created to make it easier for prospective students to apply to HBCUs.
With the Common Black App, you can send your application to 67 HBCUs for a one-time fee of $20. This college application can be a great way to apply to several schools without breaking the bank with multiple application fees.
If you’re preparing to apply to an HBCU, continue reading to learn more about the Common Black App.
How does the Common Black App work?
The platform requires you to create an account before you can complete the application. Then, the application asks general questions about your demographic information, extracurricular activities, and parent employment.
You’ll also need to share your high school counselor’s contact information to complete the application process. They’ll be responsible for uploading your official transcripts and standardized test scores, such as the ACT and SAT, to CBCA’s portal after you’ve applied.
After you click “submit,” your application will be sent to all participating HBCUs for admission consideration and scholarship opportunities.
Completing the Common Black App should take no more than 10 minutes, making it quick and easy to start your college education journey.
When is the Common Black App due?
The Common Black App always opens during the fall season, but application deadlines can vary. Early decision applications are usually due around November 1st, and regular decision applications are due around January 1st.
It is important to mention that each school has its own application deadlines, so you’ll want to check with each school you’re applying to confirm the deadline.
Which HBCUs use the Common Black App?
There are 67 HBCUs that partner with the Common Black App to facilitate the college application process at their institutions.
Some of the HBCUs that accept the CBCA include:
- Alabama A&M University
- Bennett College
- Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
- Delaware State University
- Fisk University
- Fort Valley State University
- Jackson State University
- Lane College
- Mississippi Valley State University
- Morgan State University
- Rust College
- Southern University
- Tennessee State University
- Tougaloo College
- University of the Virgin Islands
- Voorhees College
- Winston Salem State University
You can view the complete list of schools here.
What is the difference between the Common Black App and the Common App?
While the Common App and the Common Black App share the same purpose—allowing users to submit online applications to multiple colleges and universities—that’s where the similarities stop. Here’s a look at the differences between these two platforms.
Number of schools
The Common App is more popular than the Common Black App, as it gives you access to more than 900 colleges and universities that partner with the online platform. On the flipside, the Common Black App is only limited to HBCUs, as no non-HBCUs are available on the platform.
Application fees
Another difference is the fees. As mentioned, the Common Black App requires a one-time, nonrefundable $20 fee to apply to the participating HBCUs. The Common App is free, but you’ll be responsible for paying the application fee for each school, which can vary from $30 to $75.
However, the Common App has more than 500 schools that have no application fees for domestic or US-based students. Also, there are situations where schools using the Common App might waive the fees if the applicant meets certain eligibility requirements.
Application process
The application process also differs between the two online application platforms. The Common App requires applicants to submit transcripts, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and a personal essay. Due to the many requirements, it can take students six to eight weeks to complete their application.
In comparison, the CBCA requires fewer details on the applicant’s education. Your school counselor will be responsible for uploading your test scores and transcripts, but other than that, you can do everything on your own in 10 minutes or less.
Unfortunately, applying for college can be a financial burden for many prospective college students. If you’re interested in attending an HBCU, consider using the Common Black App to apply to more than 60 HBCUs for just $20.
What about the Black Common App, then?
There is no Black Common App. Students sometimes mistakenly call the Common Black App the Black Common App due to the similarity in their names.
Know where you stand before applying
Now that you're familiar with the Common Black App, it's a good time to gauge your competitiveness before applying to any schools. This knowledge will give you a better idea of which schools to focus on and which to leave as backup plans.
Create a free Appily account, and you can use your academic information—GPA and test scores—to estimate your likelihood of being admitted to any college. Knowing your chances of admission before you apply will save you time, money, and stress. Just click the button below to get started.
