The University of Mississippi is joining the Common Application for students who wish to apply during the 2018-2019 school year.

The Common App provides a streamlined college application process that serves more than 3 million applicants, teachers and counselors across the United States.

In addition to providing a single online application and round-the-clock support for all students applying to member colleges and universities, the Common App connects applicants to financial aid and scholarship tools, digital portfolios, virtual mentors, a Virtual Counselor and a library of resources for counselors, advisers and recommenders working with students to complete their college applications.

“The user-friendly interface of the Common Application will allow more prospective students to learn about the University of Mississippi and apply to be a part of our incredible community,” said Brandi Hephner LaBanc, UM vice chancellor for student affairs, in a recent news release. “By leveraging this enrollment tool, we hope to broaden our reach in order to recruit students who may not have been aware of the outstanding academic programs, dedicated faculty and staff or our beautiful campus here at Ole Miss.”

Ole Miss will officially join the Common App on Aug. 1. In addition to English-language services, the program has added a Spanish-language interface this year.

Common App is designed to make the application process, including fee waiver, more efficient, according to a statement from the university. As a member university, Ole Miss will reach students who may not have otherwise considered the institution.

One-third of the more than 1 million Common App applicants are the first in their family to pursue a college degree, something Jenny Rickard, president and CEO of the Common Application, said increases diversity in student populations.

“The diversity of our membership is one of our greatest strengths,” Rickard said in a recent news release. “Through membership with The Common Application, the University of Mississippi has demonstrated a shared commitment to pursuing access, equity and integrity in the college admission process. Thanks to our members, all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to easily apply to the college or university that will help them achieve their best future.”

With nearly 24,000 students, Ole Miss is the state’s largest university and is ranked among the nation’s fastest-growing institutions. Its 16 academic divisions include a major medical school, nationally recognized schools of accountancy, law and pharmacy, and an Honors College acclaimed for a blend of academic rigor, experiential learning and opportunities for community action.

Those interested in using the Common Application to apply for college may make an account prior to Aug. 1, when Ole Miss will be included, because the accounts are designed to roll over year-to-year.

Beginning this year, Common App members will also begin using the newly introduced Common App for transfer, a separate application designed exclusively to meet the needs of transfer and adult student populations.