Out-of-state students applying to Middle Tennessee State University for 2016-17 will now have the ability to do so through the Common Application, an online system used by nearly 700 influential colleges and universities in the United States and around the world to manage the college admission process.

By becoming a Common App member, MTSU gains the opportunity to discover those out-of-state students who may not have been reached in the past. Students from across the globe are able to explore the exceptional programs at the university and apply to in a streamlined way when they are ready.

MTSU officials say they believe the Common App adds a convenient option for prospective out-of-state students, particularly those interested in the MTSU Regional Scholars Program.

Started last year, the program allows select non-Tennessee resident students who live within 250 miles and who meet specific academic requirements to attend MTSU at a greatly reduced rate and qualify for certain scholarships.

Dr. Debra Sells

Dr. Deb Sells, vice president of student affairs and vice provost for enrollment services, noted that using the standard MTSU online application found at mtsu.edu/apply will still be the most convenient option for in-state students or those applying only to MTSU from out-of-state.

“The Common App will make it easy for out-of-state students applying to top schools around the world to also apply to MTSU,” Sells added. “We are proud to be in the very good company of institutions such as Harvard, Princeton, Vanderbilt and the University of Chicago, who are also participants in The Common Application.”

Prospective out-of-state students can create a Common Application account to learn more about MTSU. Common App accounts created will roll over to 2016-17 and beyond.

“Each of our new members comes to The Common Application with a unique mission and distinctive qualities that attract a broad range of bright and talented students,” said Paul Mott, CEO of The Common Application. “We are excited to welcome innovative institutions that all share our commitment to advancing college access.”

The answers for any of the questions that appear in the six sections of the “Common App” tab (Profile, Family, Education, Testing, Activities, and Writing) will be preserved. High school counselors can use Common App Ready, a flexible advising tool, to introduce students and families to the college preparation and application processes whenever is best for individual needs. To learn more, visit commonapp.org.

The Common Application is a not-for-profit member organization of nearly 700 leading colleges and universities in the United States and around the world. Since 1975, The Common Application has worked toward access, equity and integrity in the college admission process. Each year, more than 900,000 students use the online system to submit more than 4 million applications. Follow @commonapp #commonapp.

— Jimmy Hart (jimmy.hart@mtsu.edu)