College App Support

While the application portion of the college admissions process is much more streamlined, not every university/college (school) accepts the same application. Additionally, some schools accept several different types of college applications, requiring students to choose one of the available options.

First, you'll want to review the application requirements for each of your schools, as some may be "Common App Exclusive/Only". If you have to complete the Common App for one, you may as well use it for all other schools accepting it!

The most commonly used application platforms are:

• The Common Application: Member Schools (approx. 884 schools) https://www.commonapp.org/explore/

• The Coalition Application: Member Schools (approx. 150 schools) https://www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org/our-members

• The Universal Application: Member Schools (approx. less than 50 schools) https://www.universalcollegeapp.com/colleges

THE COMMON APPLICATION

While this can be lengthy to complete, it is by far the most common accepted and way to apply. More colleges are becoming Common App "exclusive" (only way to apply).

SYSTEM-SHARED APPLICATIONS

Some state college and university systems allow students to submit a single application to be considered for any school in the system. For example, the University of California embraces this model, allowing applicants to be considered for any school location using the same application.

However, many of these state colleges also embrace at least one of the standardized options listed above, particularly the Common Application or the Coalition Application. This means most students are best served by using one of those formats to apply across a college system, particularly if they also want to be considered for admission to a school outside of that group.

University honors programs are created to attract exceptionally motivated students, as classes and their coursework are of a higher caliber than other college courses. If you are selected for an honors program, it is, in fact, an honor as the program sees you as an academically outstanding student.