Wait… What’s the Coalition App?
So you’ve heard of the Common App. Maybe your counselor’s mentioned it. Maybe you’ve even peeked at it already. But then someone drops this other term: the Coalition App.
And suddenly you’re wondering: Wait—there’s another one? Do I need both? What even is the Coalition App?
We’ve already walked through what the Common App is and explored the 2025–2026 essay prompts. But if you're looking for an alternative platform—or just trying to decide which one fits your goals best—it’s worth taking a closer look at the Coalition App.
The Coalition App is a college application platform used by over 170 colleges and universities. While it functions similarly to the Common App, it was created with a focus on access, affordability, and student success. And it's built to support students who want to plan ahead, stay organized, and invite feedback along the way.
What makes it different?
Start as early as 9th grade.
The Coalition App includes a feature called the Locker—a private digital space where you can store school projects, awards, essays, and reflections throughout high school. It’s a way to collect moments as they happen, so when it’s time to apply, you already have material to work with.
There’s an essay—and real flexibility.
You’ll choose from a set of essay prompts (or create your own). The goal is to tell a story that reflects who you are, what matters to you, and how you think.
2025–2026 Coalition App Essay Prompts:
Tell a story from your life that demonstrates your character or shaped who you are.
What interests or excites you, and how does it shape who you are now—or who you might become?
Describe a time when you had a positive impact on others. What were the challenges? What were the rewards?
Has there been a time when an idea or belief of yours was questioned? How did you respond? What did you learn?
Share a success or obstacle you’ve faced. What advice would you give a friend going through something similar?
Submit an essay on a topic of your choice.
Built-in collaboration tools.
The Collaboration Space allows you to invite counselors, teachers, or mentors to give feedback on parts of your application. It’s a space designed for dialogue, not just uploads.
(If your school uses Scoir, a college planning platform, some features will be even easier to use.)
Every Coalition college meets high standards.
To participate in the Coalition, a college must demonstrate a strong commitment to affordability, financial aid, high graduation rates, and meaningful student support.
Is it better than the Common App?
Not necessarily better—just different.
The Common App is accepted by over 1,000 colleges and is more widely used. But the Coalition App offers a more structured, collaborative experience—especially helpful if you’re starting early, applying to a Coalition-only school, or looking for a more student-centered platform.
You might consider it if:
You want to build your application gradually
You appreciate a tool that encourages feedback
Your school uses Scoir
You’re applying to colleges within the Coalition network
At Ivy Link, we’ve helped students navigate every part of the college application process—from choosing the right platform to submitting a compelling, cohesive application. We provide students with comprehensive application support that includes everything from essay coaching to school list strategy to submission checklists. Whether you're applying through the Common App, the Coalition App, or both, we’ll help you bring clarity and confidence to every step.
