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.
Application opens: August 1st of each year
Applications due: The application deadline depends on whether you are applying early decision (typically November 1) or regular decision (typically January 1).
Use the College Map Mentor's Academic Organizer to keep track of your classes, grades, awards, certifications, accolades, community service, clubs, sports, work, etc. Collect all of the information you need to complete your applications in one place.
Gather the information you KNOW you’ll need
- 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
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 and to answer a few quick questions about who you are (parent, teacher, or counselor) and when you're applying to college.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Download the Coalition Application Guide here.
The platform itself is free to use. However, each college charges its own application processing fee (usually $25 to $75 for U.S. applicants and more for international applicants). You can apply for a fee waiver if you need one.
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.
Need essay help?
Review the information on the Essay page of this website.
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. (NOTE: All of the below colleges are currently on the Common App):
Florida Southern College
Florida State University
Rollins College
University of Florida
University of South Florida
University of Tampa
Make sure to refer to the Common App page to find out which Florida colleges use that app.
Watch the below video for a step-by-step guide on how to fill out the Coalition App.