Understanding The Most Common College Applications

1) The Common Application aka "The Common App"

The Common Application, often referred to as the Common App, is an online college application platform used by hundreds of colleges and universities in the United States and other countries. It allows students to apply to multiple institutions using a single application form, streamlining the application process and making it more convenient for applicants.

Here are some key features and components of the Common Application:

1. Personal Information: The Common App begins with sections where students provide their personal details, including contact information, demographic information, and family background.

2. Academic History: Applicants input their high school and college academic information, including courses taken, grades, GPA, and class rank. They can also report standardized test scores, but some schools have adopted a test-optional policy, so submitting test scores is not always required.

3. Extracurricular Activities: Students list their extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports, volunteer work, jobs, and other involvements. They have the opportunity to provide descriptions and details about their roles and accomplishments.

4. Recommendations: The Common App allows applicants to request and manage letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, and other recommenders. Recommenders submit their letters directly through the platform.

5. Essays: Students are typically required to write one main essay (Common App essay) that is shared with all the colleges they apply to. Some colleges might also have additional essay prompts, known as "supplemental essays," specific to their institution.

6. Application Fees and Fee Waivers: Each college might have an application fee, but the Common App allows students to apply for fee waivers if they meet certain criteria, such as demonstrating financial need.

7. Application Deadlines: Different colleges have different application deadlines, including early action, early decision, regular decision, and rolling admissions. The Common App allows applicants to track and manage these deadlines.

8. Application Supplements: Some colleges might require additional materials beyond the Common App, such as portfolios for art programs or specific forms for specialized programs. These are often referred to as "supplements."

9. Common App ID: Each applicant receives a unique Common App ID that they should use to correspond with colleges and track their application status.

10. Preview and Submission: Before submitting, students can review their entire application to ensure accuracy and completeness. Once submitted, the application is sent electronically to the selected colleges.

11. My Colleges: The Common App allows students to create a list of colleges they are interested in applying to. This helps them organize their application process and keep track of each college's specific requirements.

Using the Common App can make the college application process more efficient for students, as they only need to complete one application for multiple schools. However, students should still carefully review each college's individual requirements and deadlines, as well as any supplemental materials needed beyond the Common App components.

2) The University of California Application aka "The UC App"

The University of California (UC) system has its own unique application process separate from the Common Application. The UC application is used for applying to any of the nine undergraduate campuses within the University of California system. These campuses include well-known institutions such as UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego, and more. Here are some key points about the UC application process:

1. Application Period: The UC application typically opens for submission on November 1st and the deadline for submission is November 30th. This application window is for students seeking admission for the following fall semester.

2. Personal Insight Questions: Instead of a single personal statement essay, the UC application requires students to respond to a set of four personal insight questions. These questions aim to give applicants the opportunity to showcase their experiences, values, and perspectives.

3. No Letters of Recommendation: Unlike many other application systems, the UC application does not require letters of recommendation. However, some campuses might offer students the option to submit letters of recommendation.

4. Academic Information: Applicants are required to input their academic history, including their high school coursework and grades, as well as standardized test scores (if applicable). The UC system has been moving towards test-optional admissions, meaning that standardized test scores are not required for admission, but students can still choose to submit them.

5. Extracurricular Activities: The application provides a section for students to list and briefly describe their extracurricular activities, awards, honors, and work experiences.

6. Additional Information: Some campuses might have additional questions or requirements beyond the general UC application. It's important to review each campus's specific requirements to ensure that you provide all necessary information.

7. Transfer and International Students: The UC application can be used by both freshman (first-year) applicants and transfer applicants. There are also specific sections for international students to provide information about English proficiency tests and transcripts.

8. Application Fees and Fee Waivers: There is an application fee for each campus you apply to. However, fee waivers are available for eligible students who demonstrate financial need.

9. My UC Application: The UC application is submitted through the online portal called "My UC Application." This is where you'll create an account, fill out the application, and track your application status.

3) The Coalition Application

The Coalition for College Access, or simply the Coalition Application, is another online college application platform used by a group of colleges and universities in the United States. Similar to the Common Application, the Coalition Application aims to simplify the application process for students applying to multiple institutions. Here are some key points about the Coalition Application:

1. Membership: The Coalition Application is used by a coalition of colleges and universities that share a commitment to making the college application process more accessible and transparent. The list of member institutions includes a mix of public and private universities.

2. Application Components: The Coalition Application includes various sections similar to those found in other college applications, such as personal information, academic history, extracurricular activities, and essays.

3. Locker: One unique feature of the Coalition Application is the "Locker." The Locker is a digital space where students can start collecting and organizing materials early in their high school years. This can include documents like essays, projects, artwork, and more. The idea is to encourage students to reflect on their experiences and accomplishments over time.

4. Collaboration with Counselors: The Coalition Application aims to foster collaboration between students and their school counselors. Students can invite their counselors to view their Locker and provide feedback on their materials.

5. Application Essays: Like other application platforms, the Coalition Application requires students to write essays. The prompts might differ from those in the Common Application or other platforms, giving students additional options to showcase their experiences and perspectives.

6. Application Planning: The Coalition Application provides tools for students to plan and organize their application process. It allows students to add schools to their college list, track application requirements, and receive reminders about important deadlines.

7. Fee Waivers: Similar to other platforms, the Coalition Application provides fee waivers for eligible students who demonstrate financial need. This helps make the application process more equitable.

8. Individual College Supplements: Just like other application platforms, member institutions might have their own specific requirements or essay prompts beyond the general Coalition Application components.

9. Access to Resources: The Coalition for College Access aims to provide resources to students from diverse backgrounds to support them in the college application process. This might include information about financial aid, standardized testing, and college preparation.

10. Application Timeline: The Coalition Application typically opens for submission in the summer before a student's senior year of high school. Deadlines vary by institution and can include early action, early decision, and regular decision options.

It's important to note that while the Coalition Application is an option for applying to certain colleges, not all colleges and universities accept it. Therefore, if you're considering applying through the Coalition Application, make sure to review the list of member institutions and their specific requirements. As with any application process, it's a good idea to visit the official Coalition for College Access website and the websites of the colleges you're interested in to get the most accurate and up-to-date information.