COLLEGE HELP 101
DIFFERENT TYPES OF COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
There are several different types of college applications, and not every school accepts every application. If a school accepts multiple types of applications, it is best to contact the admissions office to find out if the school has a preference for one type of application over another.
COMMON APPLICATION
The Common Application (or Common App) allows students to fill out one application and apply to multiple schools. Nearly 900 schools accept the Common App.
Click the icon to visit the Common App website.
COALITION FOR ACCESS, AFFORDABILITY, AND SUCCESS APPLICATION
The Coalition for Access, Affordability, and Success Application (or Coalition App) allows students to fill out one application and apply to multiple schools. Over 140 colleges accept the Coalition App.
Click the icon to visit the Coalition App website.
UNIVERSAL APPLICATION
The Universal Application allows students to fill out one application and apply to multiple schools. Fewer schools accept the Universal App than the Common or Coalition Applications.
Click the icon to visit the Universal App website.
INSTITUTIONAL APPLICATIONS
Institutional applications are applications that can only be sent to the specific institution that publishes them. For example: IU's institutional application can be found at apply.iu.edu – this application is only used to apply to Indiana University.
​
(At some institutions, including IU, one application can be used to apply to multiple schools in the same school system. e.g. IU Bloomington, IUPUI, IUPUC, etc.)
