Hey everyone, I'm starting to prep my college applications and I'm a bit confused about the format. Does anyone know how the applications are generally structured? Are there significant differences between the Common App, Coalition App, and university-specific applications? I want to make sure I'm doing everything correctly. Thanks in advance!
Hello there! I'm glad to see you're taking initiative with your college applications. Most college applications, including the Common App and Coalition App, follow a similar structure. You'll fill out your basic personal information, your academic history, and your extracurricular activities. There will also be a section for you to write an essay, and the Common App has several prompts to choose from. One key area of difference is the supplemental essays that specific colleges may require, which will vary depending on the school.
The Common App is used by over 900 colleges and allows you to apply to multiple schools with one application. The Coalition App is similar, but is used by fewer schools and emphasizes providing access to students who may be underrepresented or have lower incomes. University-specific applications are just that—specific to one university. They may have different essays or requirements, so it’s important to pay close attention to what each school asks for. Don’t forget to check whether your schools require or accept the Common App, Coalition App, or if they use their own system. Overall though, regardless of which application platform you use, the format will be pretty similar across the board. Best of luck on your applications!
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