US Application Portal—Freshman Year

In the United States, several major application portals are widely used for submitting undergraduate (UG) applications to colleges and universities. Here are the most prominent ones and their  basic info:

The Common Application (https://www.commonapp.org/)

1.Over 900 colleges and universities in the U.S. and abroad accept the Common App. August 1 Common App opens for the upcoming application cycle and application deadlines vary by college, with early decision/action deadlines often in November and regular decision deadlines typically in January or later.

2. It allows students to fill out one application and submit it to multiple institutions. It includes sections for personal information, academic history, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.

3. The Common Application (Common App) does not impose a strict limit on the number of universities a student can apply to using the platform. While the Common App itself does not set a cap, each application submitted through the Common App usually requires an application fee, which can vary by institution. This cost can add up quickly if a student applies to many schools and Applying to too many schools can become overwhelming, especially when managing supplemental essays, interviews, and other application components. Most students apply to a balanced list of around 6 to 12 schools, including safety, match, and reach schools.

4. Common Application Essay Prompts: 

Below is the full set of essay prompts for 2024–2025.( 650 words)

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

5. Recommendation systems in the Common Application (Common App) portal are an integral part of the college application process, allowing teachers, counselors, and other recommenders to submit letters of recommendation on behalf of students. Here's how the process works:

Inviting Recommenders:

Student’s Role: The student is responsible for inviting recommenders to submit letters of recommendation through the Common App. This is done within the portal by entering the recommender’s email address and selecting the type of recommendation (e.g., teacher, counselor)

Recommender’s Role: Once invited, the recommender receives an email with instructions to create an account on the Common App if they don't have one already. The recommender logs into the Common App and uploads the letter of recommendation. They may also need to fill out a form that includes questions about the student’s academic and personal qualities.

The student has the option to waive their right to view the recommendation. Most colleges prefer that students waive this right, as it ensures the recommendation is candid.

In nutshell, The Common App allows students to apply to multiple colleges and universities with just one application. All components of the application—personal information, essays, recommendation letters, and more—are managed in one place. This centralization makes the application process more organized and less stressful.

The Coalition for College Access (https://www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org/)

Over 150 institutions accept the Coalition App, including many top-tier universities.

The Coalition Application (Coalition App) typically opens for applications in early August each year, around the same time as the Common Application. This timing allows students to start working on their applications for the upcoming academic cycle, including submitting required materials and essays.

Designed to provide resources for underrepresented and first-generation students. It includes a digital locker for students to store and organize their application materials

Digital Locker

Storage and Sharing: The Coalition App includes a unique feature called the Digital Locker. Students can use this tool to store and organize important documents, including recommendation letters, which can later be shared with colleges when submitting applications.

Early Collection: Students can start collecting recommendation letters and other important documents in their Digital Locker well before they begin applying to colleges. This is especially useful for students who want to prepare in advance

Essays Prompt:

• Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.

• What interests or excites you? How does it shape who you are now or who you might become in the future?

• Describe a time when you had a positive impact on others. What were the challenges? What were the rewards?

• Has there been a time when an idea or belief of yours was questioned? How did you respond? What did you learn?

• What success have you achieved or obstacle have you faced? What advice would you give a sibling or friend going through a similar experience?

• Submit an essay on a topic of your choice.

The recommendation process through the Coalition Application (Coalition App) is designed to be straightforward and accessible, allowing students to easily request and manage letters of recommendation. Here's how it works:

Student’s Role: The student must invite recommenders to submit letters of recommendation through the Coalition App. This is done by entering the recommender’s email address within the platform and specifying the type of recommendation (e.g., teacher, counselor, or other recommenders).

Recommender’s Role

Invitation Process: Once invited, recommenders receive an email with a link to the Coalition App platform. They need to create an account or log in if they already have one.

Submitting the Recommendation: Recommenders can upload their letters of recommendation directly to the Coalition App. They may also be required to complete a short evaluation form that provides additional context about the student's academic and personal strengths.

 University-Specific Applications:

Some universities have their own application portals. These are often used by institutions that prefer a customized application process.

University of California Application Portal (https://apply.universityofcalifornia.edu/my-application/login)

This portal is used  to apply  to University of California Campuses only.

The University of California Application website (often referred to as the UC Application) to apply to multiple UC campuses with a single application. The application is available from August 1st to November 30th each year.

There is a fee for each UC campus you apply to. As of recent updates, the fee is $70 per campus.

Personal Insight Questions: Answer four out of eight personal insight questions. These essays help admissions committees understand your experiences, goals, and fit for the UC system.

1. Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.

2. Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.

3.What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?

4. Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.

5. Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?

6. Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.

7. What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?

8. Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?

No Recommendations Required: The UC application does not require letters of recommendation for undergraduate admissions. Instead, the admissions process focuses on academic performance, personal insight questions, extracurricular activities, and other application materials.

Apply Texas ( https://www.applytexas.org/)

The ApplyTexas portal streamlines the application process for multiple Texas universities, making it easier to manage your applications and track your progress.

The ApplyTexas application portal is used for applying to undergraduate programs at various public universities and some private institutions in Texas. Here’s how undergraduate students can apply using the ApplyTexas portal

Application period of ApplyTexas from August 1 to  December 1

Application Fee: There is a fee for each application submitted through ApplyTexas. The fee amount varies by institution.

Essays: Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design. Please keep your essay between 500–650 words (typically two to three paragraphs).

Short answers: Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?

1. Think of all the activities — both in and outside of school — that you have been involved with during high school. Which one are you most proud of and why? (Guidance for students: This can include an extracurricular activity, a club/organization, volunteer activity, work or a family responsibility.)

Optional Short Answer

Please share background on events or special circumstances that you feel may have impacted your high school academic performance.

No Recommendation Required: For most undergraduate programs in Texas, letters of recommendation are not a standard part of the application process. The focus is usually on your academic record, test scores (if applicable), extracurricular activities, and essays.

Direct Submission: If recommendations are required or allowed, they are typically submitted directly to the university rather than through the ApplyTexas portal. Each institution will provide instructions on how to submit these letters.

California State University Application Portal

( https://www.calstate.edu/apply)

The California State University (CSU) system uses its own application portal for undergraduate admissions. By using the Cal State Apply portal, you can streamline your application process to multiple CSU campuses, making it easier to manage your undergraduate admissions.

Application Period:

• Fall Semester: The application period typically opens on October 1 and closes on November 30 for fall admissions.

• Application Fee: There is an application fee for each campus you apply to. As of recent updates, the fee is $70 per campus.

• No Recommendations Required: Most CSU campuses do not require letters of recommendation as part of the undergraduate admissions process. 

In Conclusion ,each application portal offers a unique way to apply to multiple colleges and universities, catering to different needs and preferences. Students should choose the portal that best fits their college list and application requirements. Common Application and Coalition Application are widely used, while ApplyTexas and Cal State Apply are specific to their respective states. University-specific applications provide tailored processes for individual institutions. Understanding these options helps streamline the application process and ensures that students meet all necessary requirements for their chosen schools.