Applying to US universities: Submitting your application via app or platform

As counsellors, we understand the immense responsibility we bear in guiding and supporting our students and families through the complex process of applying to universities in the United States.

This guide has been designed to equip counsellors, regardless of their experience levels, with the necessary insights and strategies to navigate the convolutions of the US university application process. 

Common Application (Common App) 

The Common App is a widely used platform that allows students to apply to multiple colleges and universities with a single application. Applications via the Common App are accepted by more than 1,000 universities across the United States.  

There are also a handful of universities in the UK and continental Europe to which students can apply easily via the platform. However, this comes with an important caveat: whenever a student intends to apply to more than one university in the UK, they should always use Ucas, the UK’s central university application service.  

The Common App is by far the most widely used US university application platform, especially for international students. It simplifies the submission of materials, such as personal information, academic records, extracurricular activities, essays and letters of recommendation. 

To get started, a student creates an account on the Common App website. The platform provides a user-friendly interface where students can select the colleges they want to apply to from the list of participating institutions. Each university sets its own admission requirements and may require additional supplements or essays beyond the basic Common App components. 

Once a student has completed their application, they can submit it electronically through the Common App website. The platform tracks the status of each application, allowing students to monitor the progress and submission status. Students can also request recommendation letters from teachers and counsellors through the platform, and these are then uploaded directly by the recommenders. 

The Common App offers several advantages for students. First, it saves time and effort, because students don't need to complete multiple applications for different colleges. They can re-use their personal information and essays for several applications. Second, it provides a centralised system for managing application materials, making it easier to track progress and to ensure that all required documents are submitted. Finally, the Common App offers a standard format for colleges to review applications, making it more convenient for admissions officers to evaluate students' qualifications. 

Counsellors benefit from having a centralised platform at their disposal, and they can easily control the sending and sharing of documentation submitted on behalf of students, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, teacher references and external recommendations. 

A list of all Common App member institutions is available here.

Coalition Application 

The Coalition Application is another popular application platform, which allows students to apply to a diverse group of colleges and universities. It focuses on promoting access and affordability for all students. 

A list of all Coalition Application member institutions is available here.   

Common Black College Application  

This application platform is designed specifically for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). It allows students to apply to multiple HBCUs through a single application. 

A list of all Common Black College Application member institutions is available here. 

State-specific applications  

Some states have their own centralised application systems for public universities within the state. 

Some examples: 

University of California (UC) Application  

The University of California system, which covers campuses including UC Berkeley, UCLA and UC San Diego, has its own application platform. The UC Application allows students to apply to multiple UC campuses simultaneously. It requires students to provide detailed information about their academic records and extracurricular activities, as well as personal insight responses. The application also includes additional questions specific to the UC system. 

ApplyTexas 

ApplyTexas is an application platform used by public universities and some private institutions in the state of Texas. It allows students to apply to multiple Texas colleges and universities through a single application. Students can select the specific schools they want to apply to and submit their application materials, including personal information, academic records, essays and recommendation letters. 

College-specific applications 

Many colleges and universities have their own application platforms, which are unique to their institution. These applications typically include specific questions or requests for essays, tailored to the school's requirements. 

Some examples:  

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 

MIT has its own application system, called MyMIT. Applicants need to create accounts and provide personal and academic information. The application includes short-answer questions, essays and a section to list extracurricular activities and achievements. Applicants also have the option to submit additional materials, such as portfolios or research papers. 

Georgetown University  

Georgetown University’s application platform is called the Georgetown Application. Students can create an account and submit their personal information, academic records, essays and recommendation letters. Georgetown requires applicants to complete a separate set of essays, known as the “Georgetown essays”, using prompts specific to the university.