GUIDE TO THE COALITION APPLICATION 

• The format of the Coalition App is similar to many other college applications, including the Common App and school-specific application systems. It includes standard items like personal information, essay prompts, and extracurricular involvement. Like the Common App, you have the benefit of filling out this information once and copying it to multiple schools. 
• Unique to the Coalition App is an extracurricular section for “family commitment.” As part of their commitment to making college more accessible, students who had to forego more traditional extracurricular activities to support their families are allowed to describe those commitments in this section. It also includes a Locker tool, where students can collect and store important information starting in 9th grade, so you don’t forget to include them on your college application.

What colleges use the COALITION App?

• Coalition App colleges are a varied list of institutions. Check out the full list of the over 140 colleges here Coalition App schools.
• Florida colleges that use the Coalition App:
  • Florida Southern
  • Florida State University
  • Rollins College
  • University of Florida
  • University of South Florida (only uses the Coalition App)
  • University of Tampa
• Make sure to refer to the Common App page to find out which Florida colleges use the other app.

What does the COALITION App cost?

• The platform itself is free to use.
• However, every college charges its own application processing fee (usually $40 to $90 for U.S. applicants and more for international applicants). You can apply for a fee waiver if you need one.

When is the CoALITION App due?

• Your application deadline depends on whether you are applying early decision (typically November 1) or regular decision (typically January 1).  Early decision vs early action - What are the differences?
• Deadlines also vary by school, so be sure to check dates for every college you are applying to.  They run between November 1 to February 1.  Be sure to check with the college of your choice.

What are the COALITION Application essays?

• You’ll submit one essay through the Coalition Application for all your schools.
• Some colleges may ask you to also answer a few supplemental questions.
• Check out the Coalition App essay prompts now so you can start strategizing about which essay to write.

Do you apply for financial aid through the COALITION App?

• No.  The financial aid process begins with filling out the FAFSA and is separate from submitting your Coalition App (and with different deadlines!).
• Check out our FAFSA page for more assistance.

How do you apply to COALITION App colleges?

Follow these steps to apply to college through the Coalition Application.

1. Gather the information you KNOW you’ll need
   For the most part, every application will ask for a copy of your high school transcript, a list of your extracurriculars, and information about your parent or guardian's educational background and work history.
    - Copy of your high school transcript
    - List of your activities, work & family responsibilities
    - Test scores and dates from your college entrance exams (SATs, ACTs, etc)
    - Parent/Legal guardian information
    - Academic honors & achievements
2. Create a Coalition App account.
   All you need is an e-mail address to get started. You'll be prompted to create a login and password.
3. Start adding information to your Locker.
   Students have private, unlimited space where they can upload important items, such as papers, videos, and photos, as a record of their high school experience; this cloud-based “Locker” becomes the foundation of their application to Coalition schools.
4. Review the admission information for every school you are considering.
   Keep in mind that Coalition App schools can have different writing, testing, essay, and letter of recommendation requirements. Make sure you do your research! You’ll use the same Coalition App form but admission requirements may differ from school to school.
   
5. Start working on your application & engage supporters
   Pick an essay topic, start filling in general information, or ask a teacher for a letter of recommendation. There's no college application task too big or small!
   The PDF version is available if you would like to print it out BEFORE filling out your information online.
6. Submit!
   Submit all your application materials by 11:59 pm (in your local time zone) on the deadline date posted in your Coalition App Dashboard.

When does the CoALITION App open?

• The Coalition Application goes live every year on August 1.

• The Coalition App covers many top colleges and universities, but not as many schools as the Common App covers. 
• The Coalition will only accept colleges who prove that they provide substantial support (through financial aid, scholarships, or other means) to low-income or otherwise underrepresented students.
• Like the Common App, the Coalition App is free for students to use, but they must pay additional application fees for each school they apply to, per the schools’ application regulations.

Updated: 07/03/2021