Students applying to University of Illinois Springfield for 2022–2023 will have the ability to do so through Common App, a powerful online college application platform that serves more than three million applicants, teachers, counselors and advisors across all 50 United States and around the world each year.

UIS is also waiving all application fees now through the 2022-23 academic year for all incoming freshman, transfer, graduate, online and international students. That will save applicants more than $50 in fees.

Common App is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to access, equity and integrity in the college admission process. By becoming a Common App member, UIS will streamline the application process for students interested in applying to multiple institutions, and gain exposure to students who may not have otherwise considered UIS.

"We joined Common App to help simplify the college application experience for students and counselors," said Vickie Cook, Ph.D., acting UIS associate provost of enrollment management. "Our new partnership with the Common App will help UIS educate more students about the value, attainability and affordability of a UIS degree."

Common App helps reduce common barriers to the college application process. Each year, more than one million applicants use the Common App. One-third of those applicants are the first in their family to pursue a college degree. 

In addition to accessing the online application system, by joining Common App, UIS is helping to make additional tools and services available to students and those who support students through Common App, including a mobile app, financial aid and scholarship information, virtual mentors, online portfolios and a vast library of counselor resources available in English and Spanish. Common App also offers 24/7/365 technical support to all applicants and recommenders using the system.

"The diversity of our membership helps us forge a direct and unambiguous path to a viable future for all students,” said Jenny Rickard, President & CEO of The Common Application. “Through membership with The Common Application, UIS has demonstrated a shared commitment to pursuing access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process. Thanks to our members, all students, have the opportunity to easily apply to the college or university that will help them achieve their best future.”

Students can create a Common App account now at commonapp.org. The account will roll over from year to year. Students can also continue to apply directly to UIS by going to uis.edu/apply to start the institutional application.

Students can address questions to the UIS Office of Admission at 217-206-4847 or admissions@uis.edu.