College Application Specifics

Many colleges allow or require students to apply using an online platform. The two most common platforms are the Common Application and the Coalition Application. Each platform has its own steps for creating an account, submitting materials, and requesting transcripts or recommendations. The following sections explain what ETHS students need to know to complete applications through each platform.

Common Application Specifics

• Create or rollover your Common App account after August 1 at www.commonapp.org.

• To allow ETHS to send transcripts and other documents to Common App schools via SchooLinks, you must complete the Common App Account Matching process.

• In your Common App account, complete the “Current or Most Recent Secondary/High School” segment in the Education section of the Common App tab.

• Add at least one college to your My Colleges list.

• Read and sign the FERPA Release Authorization in the Recommenders & FERPA section of the My Colleges tab. Learn more about FERPA here.

• Next, go to the Colleges I’m Applying To page under the Colleges tab in your SchooLinks account to complete the Common App Account Matching process. Your last name and date of birth must match exactly between SchooLinks and Common App.

• Application fee waivers: If you qualify for free/reduced lunch, you can request a Common App fee waiver from within your Common App account. Click on the Common App tab and complete the “Common App Fee Waiver” section in your Profile.

• Early Decision I or II applicants: You and your parent/legal guardian must complete the Early Decision Agreement in your Common App account.

• Advisors: Common App allows you to invite an Advisor, such as a teacher, mentor, or trusted adult, to view your application and provide feedback. ETHS counselors will not accept Advisor invitations because they already serve as your Recommenders and advisors for all students on their caseload.

Coalition Application Specifics

The University of Washington is currently the only school that uses the Coalition Application exclusively.

• ETHS students submit all Document Requests in SchooLinks for any college applying through the Coalition Application.

• Students complete their portion of the application in their Coalition account at www.mycoalition.org.

• While filling out the Coalition Application, students check a box to indicate that their transcript will be sent separately via SchooLinks at ETHS.

• In this case, ETHS can send transcripts and counselor recommendations directly through SchooLinks, so students do not need to request these separately through their Coalition account.

Additional Information

• College Application Process Overview

• The Application Essay

• Transcript & Application Requests