How to use a college Common Data Set

OPEN ADMIT · ASSERTION LABS

Learn how to read college Common Data Sets, track reporting years, and distinguish admissions requirements from factors used in selection.

Start with the school’s own report

The Common Data Set provides a shared reporting framework. Colleges publish their own responses, often through institutional research offices. Find the institution and reporting year on the document before using a number.

Requirements and importance are different

A report may describe how a college weighs recommendations, academic records, or interest. A factor’s importance is not the same as a required application document. Confirm the actual application checklist on the admissions website.

Check early-decision counts carefully

Use admitted and applicant counts from the same year and round to calculate a rate. An early-decision rate is not proof that applying early causes a particular applicant to have a better chance.

Know this site’s coverage

Open Admit currently includes three manually verified 2024–25 CDS supplements. The broader college directory uses fall 2023 IPEDS data. Unverified CDS fields are labeled as such; absence of a supplement does not mean absence of a policy.

Sources: NCES IPEDS survey definitions and Common Data Set Initiative. Read our data methodology.