Catawba College News Service

SALISBURY — Did you know that there is no fee to apply for admission to Catawba College?

And now, there’s yet another platform to assist prospective students with submitting applications. Beginning in August, Catawba College joined hundreds of colleges and universities as a member of the Common Application Community.

“Common App” is an online platform and college planning website that allows institutions like Catawba to reach students where they are. It allows students to submit an application when they are ready to apply.

Through Common App, students can learn about Catawba and other member institutions. They and their guidance counselors also have access to 24/7 support, financial aid and scholarship opportunities, as well as the ability to sign up for a free virtual mentor.

The offerings in Common App can benefit thousands of students, especially those who are the first in their family to attend college.

“Common App allows Catawba to reinforce our mission of access, equity, and integrity in the college admissions process and expands our reach to students beyond our traditional markets,” said Elaine Holden, Catawba’s vice president of enrollment. “It is yet another way that we are streamlining the process of applying to college and offering more students the opportunity to learn about our institution.”

Students create a Common App account or download the Common App on track mobile app to start exploring the application. Counselors can use Common App Ready, a tool to introduce students and families to the college planning and application process.

Holden said students can also submit applications free of charge to Catawba through the College Foundation of North Carolina website www.cnfnc.org or through the Catawba website www.catawba.edu/apply.