College Apps: Where to Start
Types of College Applications
There are three main types of college applications:
The college’s own application
The Common Application
The Coalition Application
Some colleges accept more than one type of application and allow the student to choose.
How to Find a College's Application
Go to the college’s website and find their Admissions information webpage
Each college's website will list the type of application(s) they accept
Look at the Application Fast Facts for commonly needed information about your high school
The Organize Your Applications section has a worksheet to keep track of applications and logins
The Common Application
The Common Application is a universal application used at over 1000 member colleges.
CLICK HERE for Application Guide for First Year Students : this resource contains useful information on creating your account, inviting recommenders, essay and other writing requirements, etc.
Video: Overview of the Common App (Zoom session for juniors on May 21, 2021)
Video: The My Colleges Tab
Common Questions about the Common App
Fast Facts for College Apps information about Prospect and your graduating class that you will enter
Recommendations:
Video: How to Find Recommendation Requirements in the Common App
Video: Inviting and Assigning Recommenders in the Common App
Activities List
College's Own Application
Many colleges offer their own unique application.
Access the college's application on their website
Coalition Application
The Coalition Application is a universal application used at over 150 member colleges.
It is recommended that you only apply using The Coalition Application if the college does not accept any other applications. The college’s own or Common App is often less cumbersome, more intuitive and results in faster processing time.
Check out the Quick Start Guide to get you started on your Coalition Application