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The Coalition Application, or Coalition App, is an online platform designed to simplify the college application process. It allows students to apply to over 150 participating colleges and universities with one comprehensive application. The platform is intended to promote access to higher education, particularly for students who may face financial or logistical barriers. Understanding how the Coalition App works can make the application process smoother and help you submit a well-organized application to your top-choice schools.

Creating an Account

The first step in using the Coalition App is creating an account. Visit the official Coalition for College website and sign up with your email address, personal information, and a password. Once you’ve registered, you’ll gain access to the application portal. The account will store your information securely, allowing you to return to your application at any time before submitting.

Adding Colleges to Your List

After creating an account, you can start adding colleges to your list. The Coalition App provides a search tool to find colleges by name, location, or type of program. You can choose schools based on your interests, such as those offering strong programs in STEM, business, arts, or social sciences.

Once you add a school to your list, you can access specific application requirements for each institution. Some colleges may require additional documents, essays, or interviews, so it’s important to review each school’s individual requirements to ensure your application is complete.

Filling Out the Sections

The Coalition App consists of several sections you’ll need to complete. Here’s a breakdown of the most important sections:

• Profile: In this section, you’ll provide basic personal details such as your name, address, date of birth, and contact information. You’ll also enter citizenship status and language proficiency details, especially if you’re an international student.
• Family: You’ll be asked to provide information about your family, including your parents or guardians' educational background, occupation, and income. This section is important for determining eligibility for financial aid.
• Education: The Education section asks for details about your high school, including the name, location, and graduation dates. You’ll also enter your GPA, class rank (if applicable), and any honors or advanced placement (AP) courses you’ve taken.
• Testing: Here, you’ll enter information about standardized test scores such as the SAT, ACT, or other relevant exams. Some colleges may be test-optional, meaning you don’t have to submit these scores, so check each school’s policy. You may also need to include information about when you took the tests and how you scored.
• Activities: This section allows you to list your extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports, work experience, volunteer work, and leadership roles. You can enter up to ten activities, detailing your level of involvement, time commitment, and any achievements or contributions.
• Essays: The Coalition App includes a personal essay section where you’ll respond to one of several prompts. The essay provides an opportunity for you to express your personality, goals, and experiences. Admissions officers read this essay to better understand who you are beyond your grades and test scores. The essay is typically 650 words, and you’ll need to select one of the provided prompts to guide your writing.
• Disciplinary History: Some schools ask about your disciplinary history in this section. You may be required to disclose any disciplinary actions you have faced during high school, which helps schools assess your character and behavior.
• Additional Information: This optional section allows you to provide any extra details that might be relevant to your application. For example, you can explain any gaps in your academic record, discuss personal challenges you’ve overcome, or highlight any special achievements or experiences.

Requesting Letters of Recommendation

Many colleges require recommendation letters from teachers, counselors, or mentors. Through the Coalition App, you can request these letters by providing your recommenders' contact details. Once you’ve entered their information, they will receive an email with instructions on how to submit their letters of recommendation. Be sure to ask your recommenders well in advance of the application deadline and give them enough time to write thoughtful letters.

Submitting Financial Aid Forms

If you are applying for financial aid, you will need to fill out the necessary forms. The Coalition App allows you to submit information for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other required forms, such as the CSS Profile. These forms are essential to determining your eligibility for federal and institutional financial aid.

Reviewing and Submitting Your Application

Once you have completed all sections of the Coalition App, review your application thoroughly. Double-check the accuracy of all information, make sure you’ve attached all necessary documents (e.g., essays, transcripts, test scores, recommendation letters), and confirm that you’ve met all deadlines. The Coalition App platform will guide you through the submission process, allowing you to submit your application to the colleges you’ve added to your list.

Many colleges will also ask for an application fee, though fee waivers are available for students who meet certain financial criteria. If you qualify for a fee waiver, you can apply for it through the Coalition App. After submitting, you will receive a confirmation email from each college to let you know your application has been successfully received.

Tracking Your Application

After submitting your application, you can track its progress through the Coalition App. You’ll be able to see if your test scores, recommendation letters, and other materials have been received by each college. Many schools also have specific steps for applicants after submission, such as interviews or additional documentation, so be sure to monitor your application status and complete any further requirements.

Benefits of Using the Coalition App

The Coalition App is designed to simplify the college application process, allowing students to apply to multiple colleges using one unified platform. It promotes a streamlined approach, helping students stay organized as they apply to several schools at once. The platform also encourages students to apply to colleges that align with their academic and personal interests.

In addition, the Coalition App has built-in tools that allow you to track deadlines, save your work, and manage the application process effectively. The app is especially helpful for first-generation and underrepresented students by promoting access to higher education and making it easier for students to submit their applications.

By following these steps and staying organized throughout the application process, you can use the Coalition App to apply to multiple colleges with confidence and ease.