COLLEGE APPLICATION PLANNING
Understanding College Application Types: A Complete Overview
When you apply to college, a digital application file is created under your name. This file includes your main application and all supporting documents. Part of your file focuses on quantitative data—such as your GPA, class rank, and test scores—while the other part showcases qualitative elements like your personal essay, Extracurricular Activities, and Letters of Recommendation.
Important: Use Your Personal Email
Always use your personal email address—not your school-issued email—when creating college application accounts. Your school email may expire after graduation, and colleges will continue to send you important updates long after senior year.
Reminder: Multiple Application Options
While many colleges use platforms like the Common Application or ApplyTexas, some schools—such as the University of Arkansas and Oklahoma State University—also offer their own institutional applications in addition to the Common Application. Always double-check which application option your target schools prefer or require.
Major College Application Platforms
Understanding which application platform your colleges accept is the first step in organizing your application process. Each platform has unique features, accepted schools, and requirements.
Common Application
900+ colleges nationwide
The most widely used college application platform, accepted by over 900 colleges and universities across the United States and internationally.
Visit Common App →ApplyTexas
Texas public institutions
Required application platform for all Texas public universities and many community colleges. Essential for students applying to UT, A&M, and other state schools.
Visit ApplyTexas →Coalition Application
150+ member colleges
Designed to improve college access and affordability. Features a digital locker for storing achievements and documents starting in 9th grade.
Visit Coalition App →Common Black College App
HBCUs and minority-serving
Streamlined application for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other minority-serving institutions. One application applies to multiple schools.
Visit CBCA →Need a Step-by-Step Roadmap?
Download our comprehensive college application timeline with key deadlines, checklist items, and planning strategies.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Common Application Resources
Explore official guides, video tutorials, and expert advice to help you navigate every step of the Common App process with confidence.
Official Video Tutorials
Watch step-by-step video guides from the Common App team covering everything from account setup to essay writing tips.
Watch VideosExplore Member Colleges
Search and explore over 900 colleges that accept the Common Application. Filter by location, major, size, and more.
Browse CollegesFirst-Year Student Guide
Complete guide for first-year applicants including timelines, requirements, and detailed instructions for each application section.
Read GuideActivities Section Tips
Expert strategies for presenting your extracurriculars effectively, with examples and best practices for the activities list.
Get TipsWant to Practice First?
Create a practice account to explore the Common App interface and test your application before submitting the real thing. Learn how to set up and use a practice account.
Practice Account FAQsKey Components of a College Application
Every college application includes several standard components. Understanding what's required and how each piece contributes to your overall profile helps you prepare strategically and submit a complete, compelling application.
Your official high school transcript provides colleges with a complete view of your academic performance. This document includes all courses taken, grades earned, GPA, class rank (if applicable), and any honors or distinctions.
Some colleges may ask you to manually enter your coursework and grades using a SRAR. This allows colleges to review your academic information more quickly while you await your official transcript submission.
What Colleges Review:
- Course rigor: honors, AP, IB, dual enrollment classes
- Grade trends: improvement over time or consistency
- Cumulative and weighted GPA
- Class rank compared to peers (if provided)
The school profile gives colleges important context about your educational environment. This document is prepared by your high school counseling office and provides background that helps admissions officers interpret your achievements within the specific context of your school.
Information typically includes school demographics, grading scale, course offerings, average test scores, graduation requirements, and special programs available. This helps colleges understand what opportunities were available to you.
The personal essay is your opportunity to share your unique perspective, experiences, and voice. Most applications include a main essay (typically 500-650 words) where you respond to one of several prompts designed to help admissions officers understand who you are beyond your grades and test scores.
Essay Writing Tips:
- Choose a topic that reveals something meaningful about you
- Show, don't tell—use specific examples and vivid details
- Be authentic; write in your own voice
- Start early and revise multiple times
Many colleges require supplemental Essays in addition to the main personal statement. These shorter essays (typically 150-500 words) ask specific questions designed to assess your fit with that particular institution.
Common supplement topics include "Why this college?", specific program interests, community contributions, diversity statements, and responses to unique institutional prompts. Research each school thoroughly to write compelling, specific supplements.
The activities section allows you to showcase clubs, sports, jobs, volunteer work, family responsibilities, hobbies, and any other meaningful ways you spend your time outside of academics. Most applications allow 10 activities, listed in order of importance to you.
How to Present Activities:
- Focus on quality over quantity—depth matters more than breadth
- Include leadership roles and specific contributions
- Quantify impact when possible (hours, funds raised, people helped)
- Include activities from all four years of high school
Most colleges require one counselor recommendation and 1-2 teacher recommendations. These Letters of Recommendation provide third-party perspectives on your academic abilities, character, contributions to the classroom, and potential for college success.
Choosing Recommenders:
- Select teachers from core subjects
- Choose teachers who know you well
- Ask junior year teachers if possible
Best Practices:
- Ask early (spring of junior year)
- Provide a resume or activity sheet
- Follow up politely before deadlines
Testing policies vary widely among colleges. Some schools are test-required, others are test-optional, and some are test-blind. Students should research each college's specific policy and submit scores strategically based on how competitive their scores are relative to each school's admitted student profile.
Most applications allow self-reporting of test scores, with official score reports sent only after admission. Students can often choose to send only their best scores through superscoring or score choice policies.
Some applications may require or offer optional components depending on your intended major, the specific college, or your unique circumstances.
Interviews
Some colleges offer evaluative or informational interviews with admissions staff or alumni. These can be required, recommended, or optional depending on the institution.
Creative Portfolios
Programs in art, design, architecture, music, theater, or creative writing often require portfolios showcasing your creative work and technical skills.
Self-Reported Academic Record
Some applications ask you to manually enter your courses and grades. Accuracy is essential—errors can delay or jeopardize your admission.
Application Fees & Fee Waivers
Application fees can add up quickly, but Fee waivers are available for students who demonstrate financial need. Don't let cost prevent you from applying to colleges that interest you.
Understanding Application Fees
Most colleges charge an application fee that must be paid when you submit your application. This non-refundable fee covers the cost of processing and reviewing your application materials.
Typical Fee Range
$40-$90
Per college application
When You Pay
At Submission
Before application is processed
Quick Math: Application Costs Add Up
If you apply to 8-10 colleges (a typical number for college-bound students), your total application costs could range from $400 to $900. This doesn't include test score reporting fees or other supplemental costs.
Good news: Fee waivers can eliminate these costs entirely for students who qualify. Read below to learn about your options.
Common App Fee Waiver
You automatically qualify for Common App fee waivers if you qualify for SAT or ACT fee waivers. The waiver applies to unlimited Common App schools.
Automatic with test fee waiver
NACAC Fee Waiver
Fill out the "Economic Need" section, explain your situation, and get confirmation from a school official or community-based organization. This waiver is accepted by many colleges.
Coalition App Fee Waiver
Qualify with free/reduced lunch, College Board/ACT/NACAC fee waiver, Pell Grant eligibility, TRIO program participation, or active military service.
ApplyTexas Fee Waiver
Texas public universities accept fee waivers through ApplyTexas. If you qualify for free/reduced lunch or have an SAT/ACT fee waiver, your school counselor can certify your eligibility within the application.
Ask the College Directly
Some colleges and universities offer their own direct fee waivers outside of standard platforms. Contact the admissions office to inquire about institutional fee waiver policies.
No-Fee Colleges
Over 100 colleges and universities do not charge application fees at all. Research schools with no application fees to expand your options without additional cost.
Ms. Thrash helps students build strong college applications by understanding their unique strengths and goals. Her approach focuses on making informed decisions about which application platforms, components, and strategies best serve each student's postsecondary plans. Students work with Ms. Thrash to move forward with confidence, clarity, and a plan that reflects their authentic candidacy.
Book a Planning Session with Ms. Thrash