Ever stumbled upon the term “Common Data Set” and wondered if it was a treasure map for college applications or a secret code that, once unlocked, revealed a prize? Spoiler alert: It kinda is, and it kinda does. I’m here to guide you through this hidden gem that will prove invaluable as you navigate your college research!
The Common Data Set, or CDS, is an easy-to-access tool that offers deep insights — yet it often goes overlooked. Not everyone knows about it and how it provides robust, unbiased data that can guide your college research and help you make informed application decisions.
So let’s take some time to explore the Common Data Set, share details on how and where you can find it, and discuss how you can use it to shape your application strategy.
Imagine if every college had a magic book that revealed all its secrets—well, almost all. That’s pretty much what the CDS is.
In technical terms, it’s a collaborative effort between colleges and education data organizations to provide consistent and comparable information about colleges. And this, in turn, helps prospective students and families make more informed choices. Each college fills out the same questions annually, covering everything from admissions criteria and class sizes to financial aid and student demographics.
While the CDS isn’t always front-and-center on a college’s website, it’s typically available to the public. Here’s how you can find it:
The Common Data Set offers a treasure trove of information that can provide insights on a college’s admissions process, academic environment, and financial aid opportunities. Here are a few ways to leverage this resource:
The CDS provides detailed information about admitted students, including GPA, class rank, standardized test scores, and acceptance rates. Knowing the stats for enrolled students at a school can help you get a realistic sense of your chances. For example, if your GPA or test scores are near or above the average for accepted students, you might consider it a “target” school. On the other hand, if the school’s stats are much higher than your own, you might consider this school to be a “reach.”
Knowing this information can help guide whether you should retake tests, focus on improving your GPA, or highlight other strengths in your application.
The image below, from Texas A&M’s 2023-2024 CDS, shows where its first-year enrolled students in Fall 2023 fell in terms of SAT and ACT scores.
All images are from the Texas A&M 2023-2024 Common Data Set.
Section C7 of the CDS is even more informative: It shows the relative importance of different application components, like GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations. A college might emphasize “Rigor of Secondary School Record,” meaning they look closely at whether you challenged yourself with honors or AP courses. Other schools might focus on “Demonstrated Interest,” so taking steps like visiting campus or engaging with admissions events could positively impact your application. Still others might emphasize “Volunteer Work,” so prospective applicants might find ways to get involved in their communities or find service work that ties in with personal or career goals.
Money talks—and so does the financial aid section of the CDS! Section H gives a breakdown of the financial aid available, including average grants, loans, and the percentage of students who receive aid. Knowing how much aid a school typically offers and how many students receive it can provide clues about how financially supportive the institution might be and how much you might need to find outside scholarships. And that’s crucial information as you navigate how to pay for college.
The CDS provides data on class sizes and faculty ratios, which can help you gauge what your academic experience might feel like. If you prefer smaller classes and more personal engagement with professors, look for schools with a low student-to-faculty ratio and smaller class sizes.
The CDS also breaks down student demographics, which can offer insight into the social environment on campus. By knowing more about a school’s diversity, you can assess whether it’s the type of community in which you’ll feel comfortable and engaged.
The CDS also includes sections on on-campus housing policies and extracurricular activities, which helps paint a picture of what life might look like at each institution.
Have you ever heard someone say they’re undecided about their major? Join the club! If you’re still considering a major, the CDS may help you find the right fit. The CDS lists available majors and programs at each school (including the percentage of degrees conferred), giving you insight into academic offerings that align with your interests and career goals. Plus, it helps prevent applying somewhere only to find out later they don’t offer that niche program you’re passionate about.
The Common Data Set is more than just numbers; it’s a window into a school’s culture, expectations, and priorities. By understanding and using the CDS, you can take some of the guesswork out of your college research. Whether you’re narrowing down choices, getting serious about finances, or just trying to determine where you’ll thrive, the CDS can help you make informed, empowered choices.
Accessing this detailed information early in your college search helps puts you firmly in control over crafting applications tailored toward maximizing success at the institutions where you’ll thrive academically and socially!