The Coalition Application is accepted by around 150 colleges and universities, primarily focused on increasing access to higher education for underserved students. While fewer schools use Coalition App compared to Common App, many top universities accept it as an alternative application platform.
Coalition App (formerly Coalition for Access, Affordability, and Success) is an online application platform similar to Common App. You complete one application and submit it to multiple colleges. Coalition App emphasizes supporting first-generation and low-income students through its Virtual Locker feature, which allows students to store academic materials starting in 9th grade.
All Ivy League schools accept Coalition App, though they also accept Common App. You only need to use one platform.
Many schools accept both platforms. You choose which one to use based on your preference. You never need to submit both applications to the same school.
Schools accepting both:
Very few schools require Coalition App exclusively. Most schools that use Coalition also accept Common App or their own application.
Number of Schools. Common App has 1,000+ schools. Coalition App has about 150 schools.
Virtual Locker. Coalition App lets students upload documents starting in 9th grade. Common App doesn't have this feature.
Essay Prompts. Coalition offers different essay prompts than Common App. Some students prefer Coalition's prompts.
Focus. Coalition emphasizes access for underserved students. Common App serves all students equally.
Interface. Both platforms function similarly once you start filling them out.
Check Your School List. Make a list of all colleges you're applying to. If they all accept Common App, use Common App. If some only accept Coalition, you'll need Coalition for those schools.
Consider Your Essay. Look at essay prompts for both platforms. If one prompt resonates more with your story, use that platform (if your schools accept both).
Start With One. Don't try to maintain applications on both platforms. Pick one and stick with it for schools that accept both.
Coalition App provides multiple essay prompts (250-650 words). You choose one prompt and write your essay. Like Common App, some schools require additional supplemental essays beyond the main Coalition essay.
The Virtual Locker lets you upload and store:
You can share items from your locker with colleges or keep them private. Starting early (9th or 10th grade) helps you build a comprehensive academic record.
Like Common App, most schools charge application fees through Coalition App (typically $50-$90 per school). Fee waivers are available for students who qualify financially. Coalition App automatically identifies students who may qualify for waivers.
Coalition App opens July 1st each year for the following academic year (one month earlier than Common App). Each school sets its own deadlines for Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision.
Common App More Widely Accepted. If your schools all accept Common App, stick with that platform since it's more universal.
Coalition for Specific Schools. If your dream school only accepts Coalition or you prefer Coalition's prompts, use Coalition App.
Don't Use Both. Using both platforms creates unnecessary work. Pick one and use it for all schools that accept it.
Whether you use Common App or Coalition App, crafting strong essays is essential. At LifeWorks, we help students develop authentic personal statements that showcase who they are. We also provide test preparation and academic supportto strengthen your entire application. Get in touch to learn how we can support your college application journey.
Can I apply to the same school using both Common App and Coalition App?
No. You can only submit one application per school per admission term. Choose either Common App or Coalition App for each school, not both.
Is Coalition App easier to get into than Common App?
No. Using Coalition App versus Common App doesn't affect your admission chances. Colleges evaluate applications the same way regardless of which platform you use.
Do I need to create a Virtual Locker to use Coalition App?
No. The Virtual Locker is optional. You can apply through Coalition App without using the locker feature at all.
Which app is better, Common App or Coalition App?
Neither is better. Use the platform that includes all your target schools and offers essay prompts that work for your story. If both platforms work equally well for your list, most students choose Common App since it's more widely known.
Can I start one platform and switch to the other?
Yes, but it's inconvenient. You'd need to re-enter all your information on the new platform. Pick one platform at the start and stay with it unless you have a specific reason to switch.
Does Coalition App have a limit on how many schools I can apply to?
Coalition App doesn't publish a hard limit like Common App's 20-school maximum. However, applying to more than 15-20 schools becomes very difficult to manage regardless of platform.
