Your College Journey Starts Here
A comprehensive guide to navigate the college application process and find your perfect match
Create Your ProfileApplication Checklist
Essay Writing Strategy
Start with the Common App Main Essay
Begin with your personal statement (650 words max). This is your foundation and should showcase your authentic voice. Give yourself at least 3-4 drafts and seek feedback from trusted advisors.
Create a Supplemental Essay Database
Many colleges ask similar supplemental questions. Create a document organizing similar prompts together. Adapt core responses for different schools rather than starting from scratch each time.
Prioritize by Deadline
Work on essays for Early Decision/Action schools first, then move to Regular Decision schools. Set personal deadlines 2 weeks before actual deadlines to allow time for final revisions.
Application Platforms
Common Application
Used by over 900 colleges and universities
UC Application
The application for all 9 undergraduate University of California campuses
Cal State Apply
The application for all 23 California State University campuses
Coalition Application
Alternative application platform for 150+ schools
FAFSA
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
CSS Profile
Additional financial aid application for 200+ schools
ApplyTexas
Application for Texas public universities and community colleges
SUNY Application
For all State University of New York campuses
University of Illinois System
Application for University of Illinois campuses
OUAC
Ontario Universities' Application Centre for Canadian schools
QuestBridge
Connects exceptional low-income students to top colleges
Common Black College Application
Single application for multiple HBCUs