<p>I am surprised this hasn't been posted yet (or if it has, I missed it) but this is a HUGE change, as it departs from the common apps mission statement to review applicants holistically, and not just as a stats driven applicant. As of next year, schools that do not require an essay or recommendation will be permitted to join. <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/the-common-app-will-no-longer-require-members-to-conduct-holistic-revie">http://www.examiner.com/article/the-common-app-will-no-longer-require-members-to-conduct-holistic-revie</a></p>