Have you ever wondered to yourself, “What do college applications look like?” You’re not alone!
For many students, the college application process can feel overwhelming, especially when they see all the different forms, sections, and essay prompts.
But here’s the good news: most college apps have a similar structure. Once you understand the basics, the entire process of applying for college becomes much easier!
In this article, we’ll break down each part of a typical college application to give you a better idea of what to expect when you begin writing your own. Think of this as your personal roadmap through the application process—by the end, you’ll know exactly what colleges are looking for and how to complete each section with confidence.
Let’s get started!
What Does an Application for College Look Like?
Most college applications ask for the same core information, including details about your background, academics, activities, writing, and more. The layout of applications will vary slightly from one to the next, but the categories tend to be consistent.
The sections below break down the main parts of a typical college application using the Common Application as a guide. Since the Common App is accepted by more than 1,000 colleges and universities across the U.S. and abroad. Of course, some colleges have their own applications or use other systems (like the Coalition App and the Universal College App—which we’ll get into in just a bit), but the core sections and information tend to look very similar no matter which application you use.
So even if you don’t use the Common App when you apply, our guide will prepare you for what a college application looks like from start to finish.
Here are the sections and types of information you’ll likely encounter no matter how or where you apply.
Profile
Let’s start with the basics: your personal profile. Think of this as an introduction to you.
The Profile section asks you to provide general information like your name, date of birth, address, contact details, where you live, how many languages you speak, and your demographics—which includes optional questions about your race, ethnicity, and gender identity.
This section also gives you an opportunity to indicate whether you qualify for an application fee waiver. If you meet certain financial criteria (like qualifying for free or reduced lunch or public assistance), you can request to apply to colleges without paying individual application fees.
While this section may feel simple, take your time and double-check your answers. Colleges use these details to understand your background and determine your eligibility for things like in-state tuition and scholarships.
Family
This section asks about the people you live with in order to understand your household and support system. It may also be used to determine whether you’re considered a first-generation college student.
You’ll begin by answering questions about your household, including whether your parents are married, who you live with, and whether you have any children.
Next, you’ll answer questions about your parents. You’ll be asked to indicate each parent’s relationship to you (mother, father, guardian, etc.), whether they’re living, and some of their basic information—like their name, education level, and occupation. If you have limited information about a parent, don’t worry: there’s a specific option for that, too.
Lastly, you’ll list how many siblings you have. You don’t have to provide names or details, just the number.
The Family section may feel more personal than others, and it’s okay if your situation looks different from what you think is “typical.” The wording in this section may vary slightly across different applications, but they’re all designed to understand your support system—not to judge it—and there are no “right” or “wrong” answers here.
Education
When wondering “what do college applications look like,” you probably imagine they ask for a laundry list of your academic achievements. And that’s not too far from the truth!
The Education section of the application asks for information about your high school(s), any college coursework you’ve taken, and the classes you’re currently enrolled in. Most applications ask for the same basic academic information—even if they organize the sections differently or use different labels.
High School Information
You’ll start this section by entering your current or most recent high school, when you started attending, and whether it’s a boarding school. You’ll also indicate whether you’ll graduate from this school or if anything has affected your academic progress, like graduating early or taking a gap year.
If you’ve attended other high schools, you’ll list those, too. And if you’ve taken any college courses, you’ll be asked to answer questions about the colleges you’ve attended.
From there, you’ll answer questions about your grade point average, class ranking system, and the number of students in your class. Not all schools rank or report GPA the same way, so just enter the information exactly as your school provides it.
Coursework
Next, you’ll list your current or most recent coursework to help colleges understand the rigor of the classes you’ve taken. On the Common App, you can report up to 15 courses.
Other applications may or may not include this section depending on whether they include a larger “Courses & Grades” section. (More on that in a bit!)
Honors and Awards
The Education section also includes a space to report any academic honors you’ve earned since the beginning of high school, along with any community-based organizations you’ve been a part of.
Future Academic Interests
Finally, you’ll answer a few questions about your future plans, like your career interest and the highest degree you hope to earn. This section includes a lot of information, and you’re more than justified in taking a short break after this one (just make sure you double-check your answers first!).
The Education section is all about giving your schools a full picture of your academic journey and where you hope to go next.
Test scores can help admissions counselors determine if you're a slam dunk for admission.
Standardized Testing and Scores
The Testing section asks whether you want to self-report any standardized scores or test dates. These can include the ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests, AP, IB, Cambridge, TOEFL, PTE Academics, IELTS, and even the Duolingo English Test.
Even if you’ve already sent your official scores to colleges, some schools still want you to self-report your results here. You’ll also be able to list past scores and upcoming test dates; just make sure the information is accurate and matches what your official reports will show when they see them.
In the Testing section of the Common App, there’s also a question for international students that asks whether their schooling includes standardized national exams. Just follow the prompt based on your country’s systems. (Note: students studying in the U.S. usually answer no to this question.)
If you’re applying to test-blind or test-optional schools, you may be able to skip the Testing section altogether. However, double check the requirements for each of your schools. Some colleges might still want scores for scholarships or placement purposes.
Extracurriculars and Activities
The Activities section gives you a chance to show colleges who you are outside of the classroom. It’s one of the most flexible parts of the application and can help highlight what you care about and how you spend your team.
Some activities you can include are:
- Clubs and student organizations
- Internships
- Family responsibilities
- Volunteer work
- Paid work
- Sports
- Hobbies
Remember: you’re not limited to “traditional” extracurriculars. If you’ve spent time caring for your younger siblings, working a part-time job after school, or playing an important role in your community, it’s worth including.
For each activity you report, you’ll usually answer a few short questions: your role, the organization, when and how often you participated, and whether you hope to continue the activity in college. You’ll also be asked to briefly describe what you did and why it mattered to you. For the Common App, you’ll have to do all of this in 150 characters or less!
After you wrap up this section you’ll move into the Writing section, where you’ll have a chance to reflect on some of these activities and experiences in even more detail for your schools.
Whether you're using a typewriter or a tablet, you're gonna have to do some extra writing for your college application.
Writing
The vast majority of college applications require you to submit an essay or personal statement. On the Common App, this task is included in the Writing section.
The Writing section gives you a chance to speak directly to admissions officers and share a story or experience that helps them understand you better. Think of it this way: you’re more than just your GPA or test scores. This is where you can show them that!
Long Essay Prompts
The Common App gives you multiple essay prompts to choose from. You’ll have to answer Here are the essay questions for 2025-2026, though they change from year to year:
|
Prompt 1 |
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. |
|
Prompt 2 |
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? |
|
Prompt 3 |
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? |
|
Prompt 4 |
Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you? |
|
Prompt 5 |
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. |
|
Prompt 6 |
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more? |
|
Prompt 7 |
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design. |
Source: The Common App
These are just some example prompts from one application. Depending on the school or application type, you may have to answer different prompts.
Short Answer Questions
Beyond the personal essay, some applications might ask you additional, short answer questions to understand you better.
For instance, on the Common App one of these is the “Challenges and Circumstances” question. This prompt allows you to share any obstacles you’ve faced that have shaped your academic experience.
The types of short answer questions you may see depends on the application. Additionally, sometimes these prompts are optional, meaning you can choose to answer them. That’s the case with the “Challenges and Circumstances” question on the Common App!
Many writing sections also include an optional “additional information” section where you can include anything you haven’t covered on your app that may be useful for admissions counselors.
Supplemental Requirements
In addition to the main personal essay, some colleges will have their own school-specific writing requirements, especially if they’re relying on a more general application like the Common or Coalition Apps.
These requirements could be anything from additional supplemental essays or short-answer questions that ask why you want to attend that particular school, what you plan to study, or how you’ll contribute to their campus community.
Additionally, some schools may require you to answer additional questions or submit essays if you’re applying to a specific major. For instance, Cornell requires engineering majors to submit another, supplemental essay that students applying for other majors won’t have to write!
Keep in mind that not every school has supplements, but many do—especially selective and private colleges like Columbia and Princeton. Be sure to give supplemental questions the same care and attention as your main essay!
Courses & Grades
So, what do college applications look like beyond your GPA and test scores?
Unlike the Education section—which asks for basic details like your school name, GPA, and class rank—the Courses & Grades section asks you to go one step further.
If a college requires it, you’ll need to manually enter every class you’ve taken in high school, along with the final grade you earned, exactly as it appears on your transcript. This section gives colleges a detailed look at your academic journey across all four years (or however many you’ve completed when filling out your application).
Not every school will require you to complete this section. In fact, most colleges on the Common App don’t use the Courses & Grade section at all, but a few—like the University of New Mexico and the University of Oregon—do. If it’s required, you’ll see it clearly marked.
You’ll report your courses by grade level (9th through 12th), and you’ll also have the option to include any other courses that appear on your transcript (like middle school classes or summer courses). You’ll likely be asked to choose subject areas and to enter course titles for each year, so it’s a good idea to have a copy of your transcript in front of you before starting.
This section can feel a little tedious, and it frustrates many students because the school will see the exact same information on your transcript.But some colleges use this section to run their own internal GPA calculations or to spot trends across your coursework that might not be obvious when reading through a copy of your transcript.
Although it isn’t the most exciting part of your application, it’s one where accuracy really counts!
When it comes to college applications, you may have options!
What to Know About Other Applications
What does an application for college look like if you’re not using the Common App? There are some that use different application systems, like:
- The Coalition Application
- The Universal College Application
- A college’s own unique application
All of these applications collect similar core information—like your background, academic record, and extracurricular activities—but the structure of the application and the writing requirements can vary from one application to the next.
For example, the Coalition Application includes a different set of essay prompts than the Common App, as does the Universal College Application. Likewise, school-specific applications focus more on short-answer questions or very targeted “Why our school?” prompts, like the University of Chicago and Cornell University.
These writing supplements are usually in addition to your main personal essay, and they often include one or more required responses that vary by school. You might be asked to reflect on your values, describe a challenge, or even answer something quirky like a unique course you would teach if given the opportunity—so be prepared for a little variety across applications.
We know this can be pretty overwhelming, especially since some schools allow you to choose the application system that works best for you. That’s why PrepScholar’s experts have put together detailed guides on the most commonly used college applications, so you can easily compare options and figure out which one is right for you.
Maybe you’re curious about how to add colleges on the Common App, or you’re trying to decide if the Coalition App is a better fit. Or maybe you just want to know which schools use which system. Whatever the case, we’ve got all the info you need! You can find all this free information on our blogs, but here are a few guides to get you started:
- Which Schools Use the Common Application?
- Which Schools Use the Coalition Application?
- Which Schools Use the Universal Common Application?
No matter which route you take, our guides can help you stay on track and take one application at a time.
The right tools can make all the difference
5 Resources For How To Write a Strong College Application
If you need even more help strengthening your applications, we have five expert resources from our blog that cover everything from your activities list to supplemental letters of recommendation. Each one includes real examples, strategies, and tips you can use to help every part of your application stand out.
Resource #1: Successful Harvard Application: Common App + Harvard Supplement
Our guide to a successful Harvard application is written by an expert—an actual Harvard alum who breaks down his own Common App and supplemental essays in detail. You’ll learn what worked in his application, what didn’t, and why certain choices caught the attention of admissions officers.
This is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what a successful Ivy League application really looks like—and what you can learn from it and use in your own applications.
Resource #2: How to Write a Great College Essay, Step-by-Step
Our step-by-step college essay guide walks you through every part of the writing process, from brainstorming ideas to the final polishing. It includes practical questions to help find your best story, as well as advice on how to structure your essay for most impact.
If you’re feeling stuck or if you just want a clearer roadmap, our guide gives you tips and tricks to write a personal statement that really shares who you are.
Resource #3: How to Write About Extracurricular Activities on Your College Applications
Our guide on activities breaks down how to go beyond simply listing clubs or volunteer hours—you want to make sure your extracurricular list is more than just a résumé! You’ll learn how to emphasize your growth, leadership, and future impact, even in the things that might seem small.
We include real examples and simple tips on how to make your experiences count in your application.
Resource #4: How to Request a Letter of Recommendation
Not every application requires letters of recommendation (the Common App doesn’t)—but many individual colleges do. Otherwise, they can be included as supplemental materials in addition to the other requirements.
Our guide on recommendation letters walks you through how and when to ask, who to ask, and what to include to help your teachers write strong letters for you. We also offer templates, tips, and advice for tricky situations—like asking a teacher you haven’t had or spoken to in awhile.
If you want or need to submit a letter, our guide can help you handle the process with ease!
Resource #5: What Does a Rigorous High School Course Load Look Like?
Like we mentioned in the Courses & Grades section above, colleges don’t just look at your GPA—they look at every class you took to earn it. Our guide on course rigor breaks down what a challenging course load actually looks like and how it can affect your applications.
You’ll learn exactly how admissions officers read your transcript, and how the right balance of courses can make your applications even stronger.
Recap: What Do College Applications Look Like?
So, what does a college application look like when it’s all said and done?
Most college applications include the same core pieces of information, even if the structure or wording varies slightly. You’ll be asked to share important details about your background, academic history, activities, and writing—plus any test scores or supplemental materials your schools might require.
The biggest differences tend to show up in the writing sections, where prompts, word counts, and the number of required essays or short-answer questions can vary depending on the application system or the college itself.
And if you ever need backup, don’t forget that PrepScholar’s admissions counselors are here to help.
What's Next?
- Now that you know what a college application looks like, it's time to start building your college list.
- Some schools require you to select a major as part of the process. Here's how to choose the right major for your app.
- Not sure which extracurriculars to choose? Here's a complete guide to help you select the extracurriculars that look best on college applications.
