Side by side
Common App vs OpenApply
Both stand on admissions software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+1
Common App brings college discovery and application guidance together for first-year and transfer students. College fees and waiver rules depend on the institutions involved.
Visit Common App
Free plan MacWebWindows
OpenApply covers admissions from enquiry to enrolment and gives families tools to follow their applications. Schools should account for its internet and browser requirements, implementation period, and pricing based on enrolled student numbers.
Visit OpenApplyThe facts
| Common App | OpenApply | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, API, iPhone, Web | Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 2 | 3 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | commonapp.org | openapply.com |
| On admissions software | #1 of 29 | #4 of 29 |
Common App: what it does well
- Explore more than 1,100 Common App colleges.
- Guidance covers key first-year application steps.
- Accounts and answers can roll over year to year.
- Direct admission offers may precede applications.
- Web, Android, and iOS access.
What to know first
- Application fees vary by college.
- Fee waiver policies vary by participating college.
- No free trial is offered.
OpenApply: what it does well
- Parents can track applications and receive updates.
- Application forms are built within 24–48 hours.
- Stored information can be exported.
- Public API provides access to data and files.
- Free one-to-one online setup training.
What to know first
- Pricing is on request.
- An internet connection and modern browser are required.
- School Group Dashboard is an optional paid upgrade.
- Typical implementation takes 4–6 weeks.
Alternatives to Common App Alternatives to OpenApply The whole list