Here are 5 facts about this popular application portal that might surprise you:

1. It was started by a group of 15 private colleges. Back in 1975, the Common Application was created by a small group of private schools like Carleton and Goucher who were tired of reviewing so many different applications from students. So they joined forces to create a common, standardized application that could be sent to multiple colleges.
2. The Common App was paper-based for over 30 years. When it first launched in 1975, students had to fill out a paper application form. The Common App didn't go fully online until 2007. 
3. At one point, a student submitted an application essay in the form of a comic book. This applicant was very creative and submitted a cool comic book explaining why they were a great candidate for admission. It definitely made their application stand out! Colleges want to see your originality.
4. There used to be an essay with a 25-word limit. Can you make a meaningful statement in just 25 words? One of the past Common App essay prompts challenged students to do just that. The ultra-short essay was removed in 2013, replaced by prompts with higher word limits. 
5. A student from Singapore once submitted his application essay entirely in rhyme. How’s that for a catchy personal statement? This student’s rhyming skills were off the charts. We can imagine the admissions officers giggling as they read that clever rhyming essay.

One fact that more student should be aware of - there's a Fee Waiver option. Applying to college can be expensive, especially with application fees that range from $40 to $90 per school. But students who qualify can request a Common App Fee Waiver to have these fees waived. Eligibility is based on financial need and other factors like foster care status. Taking advantage of the fee waiver enables financially disadvantaged students to apply to schools on their college list.