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Students applying to college in 2020-2021 will soon have access to over 30 additional colleges and universities across the United States through the Common App online application system. Used by more than three million applicants, teachers, and counselors around the world every year, the Common App platform streamlines the college application process, providing resources and guidance to make college more accessible for students around the country.

"Key to our mission at Common App is lowering the logistical and systemic barriers to college access," said Jenny Rickard, President & CEO of Common App. "Thanks to our diverse membership, all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to apply to the colleges or universities that will help them achieve their best future."

Common App's newest members include all of the public universities in Illinois, which have joined the platform as part of a state effort to increase college access led by Governor J.B. Pritzker. While three public universities in the state, Northern Illinois University, Chicago State University, and the University of Illinois Chicago, are already Common App members, the addition of the other public universities makes Illinois the first state in the nation to lead a coordinated effort that will enable students to apply to all public four-year institutions in the state through the Common App.

This article appeared in the Johnson City Press on March 25, 2021.

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