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The Coalition Application, often referred to as the Coalition App, is an online college application platform designed to simplify the process of applying to colleges and universities. Similar to the Common App, the Coalition App allows students to apply to multiple schools with one application. The platform is designed to promote access to higher education for all students, providing a user-friendly experience for those applying to participating institutions. If you're planning to apply to colleges using the Coalition App, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process and submit a strong application.

Create a Coalition Account

The first step in filling out the Coalition App is creating an account. Go to the official Coalition for College website and register with your email address, password, and other basic personal information. Once you’ve created your account, you’ll have access to the application portal, where you can begin entering your information. Your Coalition account will also allow you to track your progress, save your work, and return to the application at any time before submission.

Fill Out the Profile Section

The Profile section of the Coalition App collects your personal and contact information. This section includes basic details, such as:

• Personal Information: Your name, date of birth, gender, and other personal identifiers.
• Address: Your current address and contact details, including phone number and email.
• Citizenship Status: Whether you are a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or an international student.
• Language Proficiency: For international students, you may be asked to provide information about your proficiency in English and the languages you speak.

This section ensures that the colleges you’re applying to have the necessary information to contact you and begin reviewing your application. Make sure the information is accurate and up to date.

Enter Your Academic History

In the Education section, you will provide information about your high school and any other educational experiences. This includes:

• High School Information: The name of your high school, its location, and your dates of attendance.
• Transcript Information: You’ll provide details about the courses you’ve taken, your grades, and any honors or advanced placement classes you’ve completed. Some schools may ask for your GPA or rank, so be sure to include this if it’s relevant.
• Test Scores: If you’ve taken standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, or others, you can enter your scores here. The Coalition App also allows you to report if you are submitting test scores or applying under a test-optional policy. If you're not submitting test scores, ensure you follow the instructions for those colleges that do not require them.

Be sure to keep this section accurate, as colleges will use this information to evaluate your academic qualifications.

List Your Achievements and Activities

The Activities section of the Coalition App allows you to showcase your extracurricular activities, leadership roles, work experience, and volunteer experiences. You can list up to ten activities, and you’ll need to provide:

• Activity Name: The name of the activity or job.
• Position or Role: What role did you have? Were you a team captain, club president, or volunteer coordinator?
• Hours per Week: How many hours per week did you spend on this activity?
• Description: A brief description of your responsibilities and accomplishments.

This section helps colleges learn about your time management skills, leadership, and community involvement. Colleges look for well-rounded students who are active outside of the classroom, so be sure to highlight significant contributions and long-term commitments.

Complete the Personal Essay

Like other application platforms, the Coalition App includes a personal essay component. You’ll need to choose from several essay prompts provided by the Coalition for College. The essay gives you a chance to express yourself, explain why you're interested in the schools you're applying to, and reflect on your personal experiences. The Coalition App has specific essay guidelines, including a maximum word limit of 650 words.

In this section, you’ll write an essay that addresses one of the prompts, which may ask about your personal growth, challenges you’ve overcome, or what you can contribute to a college community. This is your opportunity to showcase your writing skills, creativity, and individuality, so take your time to craft an essay that reflects who you are.

Provide Recommendation Letters

Most colleges require one or more recommendation letters, typically from teachers, counselors, or mentors. In the Coalition App, you’ll input your recommenders’ contact information and request letters directly through the platform. After you enter their details, your recommenders will receive an email with instructions on how to submit their letters.

Recommendation letters provide context to your academic and personal qualities, and they allow admissions officers to get a deeper understanding of who you are as a student. Be sure to give your recommenders plenty of time to write and submit their letters before the application deadline.

Submit Your Financial Aid Information

If you’re applying for financial aid, the Coalition App allows you to provide the necessary information. Many colleges use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile to determine your eligibility for financial aid. You’ll need to complete these forms separately, but you can link them to your Coalition App account.

Make sure to check the specific requirements for each school, as some may require additional financial aid forms or documentation. Providing accurate financial information is essential to ensure you receive the financial aid you need.

Review and Submit Your Application

After completing all sections of the Coalition App, it’s time to review your application. Double-check your information to ensure that everything is accurate, and verify that you’ve attached all necessary documents, such as your personal essay, recommendation letters, and test scores.

Once you're confident that your application is complete, you can submit it to your chosen colleges. Most colleges charge an application fee, though fee waivers are available for students who meet financial need criteria. Be sure to check the application deadlines for each school and submit your application on time.

Track Your Application Status

After submitting your application, you can track its progress through the Coalition App platform. You can check whether your application has been received, and monitor whether your test scores, letters of recommendation, and other documents have been submitted successfully. Many colleges will also notify you of any additional steps, such as interviews or supplementary materials, that you need to complete.

Benefits of Using the Coalition App

The Coalition App offers several advantages. It promotes access to higher education by simplifying the application process, especially for students applying to multiple schools. Additionally, the app provides tools for organizing your application materials, tracking deadlines, and saving your work as you go. Many colleges that use the Coalition App are committed to increasing access for underrepresented and first-generation students, making it a helpful platform for those looking to apply to a wide range of schools.

By following these steps, you can successfully navigate the Coalition App and submit a strong application. With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can present your best self to colleges and increase your chances of acceptance.