Summary:
The Coalition App is an online college application platform used by a group of U.S. colleges and universities that share a commitment to access, affordability, and student success. Although similar in function to the Common App, the Coalition App places greater emphasis on serving underrepresented and first-generation students. Still, many top colleges also except the Coalition App.
What Is the Coalition App?
The Coalition for College is a group of more than 150 colleges and universities in the United States that aim to improve college access, particularly for students from low-income backgrounds or historically underrepresented communities. The Coalition App is their shared application platform, which allows students to apply to multiple member schools using one account and one set of materials. While fewer schools use the Coalition App compared to the Common App, all participating institutions must meet specific criteria related to affordability, graduation rates, and support for students.
How It Works
Students can begin using the Coalition App by creating a free account at mycoalition.org. The application process is similar to other platforms: students enter personal information, academic records, extracurricular activities, and essays. The Coalition App includes a main personal essay, and many colleges also require supplemental questions. Students can request recommendation letters, upload documents, and track deadlines directly within the system.
One unique feature of the Coalition App is the “Locker”—a private digital storage space where students can upload files throughout high school, such as essays, videos, awards, transcripts, and other materials. This helps students keep track of their achievements over time and use them when it’s time to apply.
Who Should Use It?
The Coalition App was designed with access and equity in mind. It may be especially appealing to students who are applying to several public universities or selective private schools that belong to the Coalition. Many of these schools are committed to meeting full demonstrated financial need and have strong support systems for underrepresented students. While any student can use the platform, the Coalition App is particularly useful for those who want tools to help them stay organized and are looking for colleges that actively support first-generation or low-income applicants.
That said, most students still apply through the Common App because it is accepted by more schools. If all of the colleges a student is applying to accept the Common App, it may be easier to use just that one system. But if a student is applying to schools like the University of Washington or the University of Maryland—which only accept the Coalition App—then using the Coalition App is necessary.
Differences from the Common App
Both the Coalition and Common App allow students to apply to multiple colleges with one platform, but there are some differences. The Coalition App tends to have a cleaner, simpler interface and emphasizes early college preparation. Its built-in storage system helps students begin building their applications earlier in high school. However, it serves fewer colleges overall and has not been as widely adopted. Also, not all schools on the Coalition App use it as their exclusive platform—many accept both the Coalition and Common Apps.