If it’s Auburn University, here is what they say on their freshman admission web page:
To be considered for an admission decision, you must have a complete application file consisting of the items below:
Traditional Applicants
Submitted Admission Application.
Paid the $50 non-refundable application fee.*
Official ACT/SAT test scores sent from the testing agency.**
Uploaded copy of your high school transcript(s).Test-optional Applicants
Minimum 3.6 cumulative GPA.***
Submitted Admission Application.
Paid the $50 non-refundable application fee.*
Uploaded copy of your high school transcript(s).*In both the Common App and Auburn’s admission application, you will select the fee waiver option if you qualify. Auburn University does not require any additional documentation.
**Starting Fall 2024, Auburn University will accept the ACT Superscore Report. Auburn will calculate a superscore for the SAT and any individual score reports from ACT. Only your best testing result will be used for admissions and scholarship consideration.
***If your GPA is not on a 4-point weighted scale or on a 100-point scale, Auburn will recalculate your GPA. If the recalculated GPA is less than a 3.6 GPA, official test scores will be required to receive an admissions decision.
And here are the requirements for Auburn University on Common App:
It appears that the essay is optional and recommendations are optional. Your student would still want to fill out the activities section.
Your student can create a common app account now, and fill out most of the application in advance (before August 1). The main part of the common app will be preserved on account rollover, but college-specific information won’t be preserved (see the FAQ).
Once the common app rolls over, it shouldn’t take long to finish and submit the application.