Understanding the Different Types of College Applications

Juniors, you’re getting ready to apply to college this fall—exciting! But before you dive in, it’s important to understand that not all college applications are the same. Depending on where you apply, you’ll encounter different platforms and requirements.

Application Platforms You Should Know

Some universities have their own individual applications, while others use shared application systems that allow you to apply to multiple schools at once. Here are the most common types you’ll come across:

• The Common App: Used by over 1,000 colleges in the U.S. and abroad, this platform allows you to complete one main application and send it to multiple schools. Each college may still require additional materials—like supplemental essays—but you won’t have to repeat your entire application for each one.

• The University of California (UC) Application: One application for all nine undergraduate UC campuses.

• The California State University Application (Cal State Apply): One application for all 23 CSU campuses.

• ApplyTexas: One application for any Texas public university and many Texas community colleges and private universities.

• Individual School Applications: Some colleges and universities use other platforms or host their own application systems on their websites.

Pro Tip: Stay Organized

It’s likely that you’ll apply to colleges across different platforms. That’s why staying organized is key.

We recommend creating a spreadsheet to keep track of:

• Each college you’re applying to

• Which application platform it uses

• Important deadlines

• Required materials (like letters of recommendation, test scores, or essays)

• Login credentials for each portal

This will save you time, reduce stress, and ensure you don’t miss any important steps along the way.

Why the Common App is So Popular

The Common App is a favorite for a reason. It simplifies the process by letting you fill out one application and send it to many participating colleges. It’s also a great college exploration tool that you can use to browse schools, compare requirements, and build your college list directly on the platform.

But keep in mind: while the main application portion is shared on the Common App, some schools will ask for additional information or essays unique to their institution.

What If You're Only Applying to UCs and CSUs?

If you're a student planning to apply only to UC and CSU campuses, great news: you’ll only need to submit two applications total; one for each system. That’s it. You can use the UC application to apply to all UC schools, and the Cal State Apply to apply to all CSUs. 🎓 Applying to college can feel overwhelming, but understanding how applications work is the first step to feeling more confident and in control of your application journey.