Navigating multiple application platforms is one of the logistical challenges of the college application process. Here is a clear breakdown of each major platform.
Common Application (Common App)
The Common Application is the dominant platform — used by over 900 colleges and universities including virtually every highly selective school. Students complete core information once (personal information, activities, personal statement essay) and submit to up to 20 schools simultaneously, with school-specific supplemental questions added for each institution. If a school is on your list and accepts Common App, you should almost certainly use it — the efficiency advantage is substantial.
Coalition for College Application
The Coalition Application is used by approximately 150 schools, including many top universities. However, the vast majority of Coalition schools also accept the Common App. Most applicants who have Coalition-only schools on their list are rare. The Coalition App has a similar structure to the Common App and offers a portfolio feature for storing work samples over time. For most applicants, the Common App will cover all their needs.
University of California Application
All nine undergraduate UC campuses (Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Davis, UC Santa Barbara, UC Irvine, UC Riverside, UC Santa Cruz, UC Merced) use a single, unified UC Application — completely separate from the Common App. The UC Application has its own essay prompts (Personal Insight Questions — 350 words each, choose 4 of 8) and its own deadline (November 30 for all campuses). If you are applying to any UC campus, you must complete this application independently.
Proprietary Applications
Several notable schools have their own applications: MIT uses an application built on its own portal, Georgetown has its own system, and UT Austin uses Apply Texas. If these schools are on your list, account for their separate application requirements and deadlines.