Introduction
August marks the start of application season for many students applying to US universities. While finalising your college list, building your profile, requesting letters of recommendation and working on your essays are important parts of the process, there is another practical question to answer early: Which application portal does each university use?
Unlike some countries, the US does not have one centralised application system. Students can apply to several universities through the same platform, while others require a separate institutional application. Understanding the different platforms, therefore, can help you avoid creating unnecessary accounts, missing supplemental requirements or assuming that submitting one application automatically completes the entire process.
Here are the major US undergraduate application platforms and portals students should know about for the upcoming application cycle.
1. Common Application (Common App)
The Common Application, commonly known as Common App, is the most widely used US college application platform. It allows students to apply to more than 1,100 colleges and universities through one account.
Students complete a core application containing information about their academics, activities, family background and personal essay. Each university then adds its own requirements, which may include supplemental essays, questions, portfolios, recommendations or other materials.
For the 2026–27 cycle, the Common App opens on August 1, 2026. Students can begin preparing their application before the application year opens, with information carried over when the new cycle begins.
Remember: Applying through Common App does not necessarily mean you will only use Common App throughout the process. Many universities create a separate applicant portal after receiving your application.
2. Coalition
The Coalition Application is now Apply Coalition with Scoir. The previous standalone Coalition application portal is being discontinued, and students use Scoir to apply to participating Coalition colleges. Scoir currently lists 123 colleges accepting applications through its platform.
Students complete their core application information in Scoir and then move through the platform to the participating college’s portal to complete supplemental questions and submit the application. Basic information from a student’s Scoir profile can be pre-populated, reducing repetitive data entry.
3. ApplyTexas
ApplyTexas is a central application platform used by many Texas public universities and other participating institutions. It can be particularly useful for students applying to multiple Texas universities.
However, students should not assume that every major Texas university uses ApplyTexas. For example, UT Austin currently accepts both Common App and ApplyTexas from international applicants, while Texas A&M also accepts applications through both platforms.
4. Cal State Apply
Cal State Apply is the centralised application system for the California State University (CSU) system.
Students can select multiple CSU campuses and programmes through one application. For Fall 2027, the application opens August 1, 2026, with November 30 serving as the priority filing deadline, although individual campuses and programmes may have different deadlines or availability.
Students should check whether their intended programme is accepting applications. CSU campuses have their own admission and programme requirements.
5. University of California Application
The University of California (UC) system has its own application platform. Students use one application to apply to the UC’s nine undergraduate campuses: Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, UCLA, Merced, Riverside, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz.
For Fall 2027, the UC application opens on August 1, 2026 and closes on November 31, 2026.
The application asks students to provide detailed academic information, activities, awards and other experiences, as well as answer four Personal Insight Questions (PIQs). The UC system does not use SAT or ACT scores for admission decisions.
6. Georgetown Application
Georgetown University is an important exception because students can apply through either the Georgetown Application or Common App. Georgetown explicitly states that it does not have a preference for which application students use.
Students applying through Georgetown’s system complete the Georgetown Application and then additional application forms, including the writing supplement and recommendation-related requirements.
7. MIT Application
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) uses its own application system rather than Common App or Coalition.
Applicants create an MIT account and complete MIT’s application, which includes academic information, activities and a series of short responses. MIT also allows applicants to submit certain supplementary materials where appropriate.
University Applicant Portals
Applying through a centralised platform does not necessarily mean that the application process ends there. Many US universities create their own applicant portal after receiving an application through Common App, ApplyTexas or another platform.
These portals are typically used to check application status, view missing documents, submit additional information and receive updates from the university.
For example, UIUC accepts first-year applications through Common App. A few days after submitting the Common App, UIUC creates a myIllini account for applicants and emails instructions for accessing it. UIUC specifically tells Common App applicants not to create a myIllini account themselves; the university provides instructions after the application is submitted.
Similarly, students applying to the University of Michigan through Common App receive access to the university’s Enrollment Connect portal after submitting their application. This portal allows applicants to track their application and receive important updates from the university.
Remember: An application platform and an applicant portal are not necessarily the same thing. After submitting your application, check your email and the university’s admissions website for instructions on accessing its applicant portal and completing any outstanding requirements.
Conclusion
US university applications do not follow a one-portal-fits-all model. Common App is the main platform used by more than 1,100 colleges and universities, but students may also encounter other portals for their preferred colleges. Once you have your college list, create a simple tracker showing the university, application platform, deadline, supplemental essays, testing requirements and post-submission applicant portal.
Do not assume that submitting a Common App or another centralised application completes the entire process. Universities may have additional supplements, forms, portfolios or post-submission requirements. A few minutes of verification can prevent a missed requirement from derailing an otherwise strong application.
