Develop a Common College Admissions Application Texas should provide a common application for admission to all public four-year institutions of higher education. Background Each of Texas' 35 public general academic institutions has a different application form, although most request similar demographic and academic information. Students seeking admission to multiple Texas colleges and universities quickly learn that the process is time-consuming and repetitive. The application process also is cumbersome for the high school teachers and counselors who may have to supply multiple copies of academic transcripts and recommendations, and verify the accuracy of certain information submitted by their students. The National Association of Secondary School Principals, working with participating schools, manages the common application, which has been used for about 20 years.
Some schools require a supplementary sheet for additional information once the student has applied.
In Texas, at least five private schools, Rice University, Trinity University, Southwestern University, Southern Methodist University, and Texas Christian University, use the application as well. The common application is available in an electronic version and may be sent to universities either via disk or printout, depending on university policy. Participating schools include health science centers, technological and specialized colleges, community colleges, and 16 of SUNY's 17 general academic institutions. Universities that require additional information may send out a supplemental sheet. The state intends to put the application on the Internet.