Planning to study higher education in the U.S. can be overwhelming. Student applicants are often unsure how to apply to universities in the United States because several application platforms are available. Some students apply through a university’s own portal, while many colleges use centralized platforms where applicants can submit one application to multiple schools.
In the U.S., international students can apply in several ways, including through Common App, Coalition on Scoir, QuestBridge, school-specific applications, and, in very limited cases, the Universal College Application. The application platform you use depends on the schools you are applying to. To learn more, let’s explore each type of college application.
Types of US College Applications
1. Common App
Common App, or the Common Application, is one of the most widely used college application platforms. More than 1,100 colleges use Common App, allowing students to complete one standardized application for many different colleges. However, not every college accepts Common App, so you should always check each school’s application requirements.
Through Common App, an applicant can apply to up to 20 schools in a single application cycle. If you plan to apply to more than 20 colleges, you may need to use other applications, such as Coalition on Scoir or school-specific applications. However, applying to more than 20 colleges is usually not advisable because you may need to prepare different supplemental materials and pay additional application fees unless you qualify for fee waivers.
2. Universal College Application
Another U.S. application platform is the Universal College Application. However, it is now much more limited than Common App; the official Universal College Application college search currently lists only one school, the University of Charleston (WV). Because availability is very limited, you should use this platform only if a school on your list specifically accepts it.
Students looking for another broader application platform should also check Coalition on Scoir, which is used by a smaller group of colleges than Common App but remains a more current option than the Universal College Application for many applicants.
3. Questbridge Application
The QuestBridge Application, formally the QuestBridge National College Match application, is intended for high-achieving high school seniors from low-income backgrounds. Through the National College Match, eligible students can apply for early admission and full four-year scholarships at QuestBridge’s 55 college partners. These Match Scholarships cover the full cost of attendance, including tuition and fees, housing and food, books and supplies, and travel expenses, with no parental contribution and no student loans.
The National College Match is open to high school seniors currently attending high school in the U.S., as well as U.S. citizens and permanent residents living abroad. International students living outside the U.S. are not eligible.
Although QuestBridge is designed for students from low-income families, there are no absolute cutoffs for GPA, test scores, income, or other factors. QuestBridge says typical National College Match Finalists come from households earning less than $65,000 annually for a household of four and have minimal assets. QuestBridge can also help applicants save money on application fees; for example, National College Match Finalists can apply to QuestBridge college partners through QuestBridge Regular Decision with no application fees.
The QuestBridge Application also asks detailed personal questions and includes several essays. These materials are shared with the universities or colleges you apply to, helping admissions committees understand your academic background, personal experiences, and financial circumstances more fully.
There is one drawback to the QuestBridge application: time. The deadline is much earlier than many other college application deadlines; for the 2026 National College Match, the application deadline is October 1. To make your QuestBridge Application strong, you should start during summer break. You will also need two teacher recommendations from core academic subjects, so you should ask your teachers early. Still, starting your application early can be positive because it helps you prepare for other applications ahead of time.
4. School-Specific Application
Some schools, university systems, or programs use their own applications, while others give applicants a choice between a school-specific application and another platform. For example, the University of California system uses the UC application for undergraduate admissions and scholarships. Georgetown University now allows applicants to use either the Georgetown Application or the Common Application and states that it has no preference between the two.
School-specific applications can be time-consuming and may require more attention than centralized application platforms. But if your dream college uses a school-specific application, then you should definitely apply. However, you should think carefully before applying to many colleges that require separate applications because it can create more work for you, your counselor, and your teachers.
In summary, if you are planning to apply to many universities through one platform, Common App is often the best starting point. However, college application fees may still apply unless you qualify for fee waivers. If you are a high-achieving student from a low-income background, the QuestBridge Application may be right for you. Whichever platform you use will depend on your college list, the time you can spend preparing requirements, and the application fees you are willing or able to pay.
We hope that this article on the types of college applications was helpful. Make sure to also check out our Guide to Studying in the USA and Available Undergraduate Programs for International Students!
