Common Application

More and more American universities are using standardized application systems, such as the Common Application and  the Coalition Application. Sometimes you can also use the university’s own application system. The advantage of standardized applications is that you only have to fill out most of the information once and then you can send it to multiple universities.

Guide

Do you have questions about parts of the Common App or would like to know what you need to fill out? Check out our comprehensive Common Application guide (in Dutch).

What is the Common App?

The Common App is an application system that allows prospective students to apply to multiple universities by uploading their information, grade sheets, essay and reference letters just once. This application system is used by 900 American universities.

 

 

What is required in the Common App?

The Common Application consists of a number of sections. You will not have completed these in one afternoon. It is helpful to create an account and become familiar with the components of the Common App during the summer before you apply. You can expect the following components in the Common App:

Data you provide yourself
  • General profile (name, address, nationality, background information and education)
  • Information about your family and their education
  • An overview of your activities (hobbies, sports, side jobs and volunteer work)
  • A summary of your test scores (TOEFL and possibly SAT or ACT)
  • Academic honors
  • A list of courses taken
  • Essay
  • In some cases, a supplemental essay
  • Name and contact information for your dean and referees
Data provided by your school

What is the Coalition Application?

An alternative to the Common Application is the Coalition Application. Like the Common App, the Coalition App provides a standardized application system, and is used by approximately 150 colleges and universities. Although the number of participating colleges is smaller, through the Coalition Application you will find colleges that cater to a diverse student population and value affordability and accessibility.

In terms of content, there are some minor differences. For example, in the Coalition App you can use a private locker, a kind of cloud where you can store important documents such as papers, references, your resume, and even videos. This allows you to build your own portfolio before you start applying. In addition, you have a collaboration space where you can collaborate with professors or your dean and ask for feedback on your documents. The Common App does not offer these spaces, although of course you can always ask for feedback on your documents.