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How Many Application Types Are There?
Every school has its own requirements to submit an application. There are four main types of applications that you will come across: The Common Application, The Coalition Application, Group Applications, and Individual Applications. Some schools give you the ability to apply in multiple ways, but for the most part each on will be done through one of these options. That information should be available on each school's admissions website. Keep reading to learn more about each one.
The Common Application
The Common Application (or CommonApp for short) is the most popular application type. There are currently more than 1000 colleges and universities across the country that utilize it. You can create an account through the CommonApp Website at any time, and begin inputting information, but you cannot officially apply until the application period for your class is open. This typically happens on August 1st of each year.
What do I need to complete the CommonApp?
Conveniently enough, the CommonApp has created an Application Guide for First Time Users. You are strongly recommended to review that as you create your account.
How is the CommonApp broken down?
The main part - the CommonApp tab - goes to ALL of the schools to which you're applying. You can start this part at any time, and can complete things in any order. You'll get a checkmark in each section upon completing it, and eventually a checkmark on each page once you complete more.
The section "Courses & Grades" is not required by all schools, but if you're applying to even one that requires it you will have to fill it in. You can find more information about this in the Sending Transcripts & Grades section.
Under "My Colleges," you will add each individual school that you're applying to. Each one has its own set of questions, and some have more than others. This is where you'll find each school's set of supplemental questions. Please do not do this part until August before senior year! If you begin it earlier, what you've filled in on this section will not roll over for the new application period.
It's also important to know that there isn't one big submit button on the CommonApp. You will have to submit each application individually. This means that you can submit one while still working on another! You are strongly encouraged to submit each application as you complete them.
How do I request letters of recommendation in the CommonApp?
Lakeland does not submit letters of recommendation through the CommonApp. It's a very specific process, but can be helped by knowing one thing: when prompted, do not enter teacher email addresses in the CommonApp. This process will be done through Scoir, and you can learn more about it in the Letters of Recommendation section.
How is the CommonApp different than Scoir?
The CommonApp is a site that is used to apply to schools. Scoir is a site that is used for exploration and sending supporting documents to schools. You'll learn more about this in the Scoir section, but this Student Guide to the CommonApp that Scoir has created might help!
How many schools can I apply to with the CommonApp?
You can apply to a maximum of twenty schools through the Common App. Students should make a strong effort to consolidate their list of schools they want to apply to before they begin applying. 20 schools is a lot to apply to. If you're having trouble with this, see your counselor.
The Coalition Application
Approximately 150 colleges nationwide are part of the Coalition for College. As such, not nearly as many students will use the Coalition Application, but it is still important to know about. You can create an account utilizing the Coalition Application Website. Again, you should look into each school's admissions department to determine if you will need an account with the Coalition App.
What do I need to know about the Coalition Application?
This application is time sensitive. Students need to be very aware of the deadlines and be sure to meet them all.
Some schools will accept both the CommonApp and the Coalition Application. You should only apply using one.
You need to do all of the required sections before you will be able to move through the school-specific questions. Sometimes you will have to do more sections in the main application after you add a school. You are able to work a bit out of order in the main application.
After you add a school, you will have to do the school-specific questions. These have to be done in order and you can't see what the questions are until you get to them. Sometimes there are supplemental essays here.
Like the CommonApp, you should not request any letters of recommendation through the Coalition Application. This will all be done through Scoir.
Like the CommonApp, there is not one big submit button for the Coalition Application. You will have to submit your applications one school at a time.
Group Applications
Some groups of schools will have their own application database. Like those listed above, it becomes a convenient place to store your information rather than having to enter it for every single school. The most common example of this that you'll encounter is for PA State Schools in the PASSHE network (includes schools like Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, Shippensburg, West Chester, and more).
Individual Applications
Some schools will require their own applications. At times, this can be in addition to any of the applications listed above. You'll find this for a lot of two-year and technical schools. This information will be located on the school's admissions website. Common examples are Lackawanna College and Johnson College.
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