🎓 The Countdown Is On: What Every Family Needs to Know About College Applications (And How to Make It Easier!)

Cue the pencils, planners, and pumpkin spice—it’s almost college application season! For many students and parents, this time of year comes with a mix of excitement, nerves, and a whole lot of questions.

We get it. The process can feel overwhelming. But here’s a secret: most college applications fall into just three main types. Once you understand the differences, you can stop spinning in circles and start moving forward with confidence (and maybe even save some serious money along the way!).

Let’s break it down.

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1. National Shared Applications

📝 What They Are:

These applications are like one-size-fits-many. You fill out one application and can send it to several schools.

📦 Examples:

• The Common App (used by 1,000+ colleges!)

• The Coalition Application

• The Common Black College Application

🎯 Best For:

Students applying to multiple private or out-of-state schools.

💡 Imagine Tip:

Shared apps can save you time, and many offer fee waivers. Win-win!

✨ Perks:

• Fill it out once, apply to many

• Upload your essays and recs once

• Track deadlines in one place

• Saves serious time

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2. State-Specific Applications

📝 What They Are:

These are used by public universities in specific states.

📦 Examples:

• ApplyTexas (for Texas public universities)

• Cal State Apply (California State Universities)

• University of California Application (for all 9 UC campuses)

🎯 Best For:

Students applying to public universities in their home state.

💡 Imagine Tip:

In-state apps often come with lower fees, automatic scholarship consideration, and even state grants!

✨ Perks:

• May allow you to apply to multiple schools in one state

• Automatically considers you for in-state tuition and financial aid

• Often lower (or no) application fees

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3. Private or School-Specific Applications

📝 What They Are:

Some colleges create their own applications and don’t use a shared or state app.

📦 Examples:

• Baylor University

• Grand Canyon University

• Liberty University

• Many honors programs

🎯 Best For:

Students applying to specific private schools or honors programs.

💡 Imagine Tip:

Sometimes schools offer scholarships or perks just for applying through their own site. Always double-check!

✨ Perks:

• Potential for waived application fees

• May include scholarship offers

• More personalized to the school’s culture

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So Why Does This Matter?

Because choosing the right application can:

• 💰 Save you money

• 🕒 Save you time

• 🎯 Improve your chances of getting in or getting scholarships

Some schools accept multiple application types but give preference to students who apply in certain ways—especially for things like early action, merit scholarships, and honors programs.

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📣 From the Imagine Team: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

We know application season can feel like a sprint and a marathon at the same time. That’s why we’re here to help you make it to the finish line—confident, prepared, and hopefully with some scholarship money in hand.

Here are a few ways we can support you:

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👩‍🏫 1-on-1 College Coaching with Sherri Ross

Want a personalized plan tailored to your student’s dreams? Sherri Ross, our founder and college coaching expert, offers a limited number of private coaching spots each year. It’s like having a college admissions GPS—just for your student.

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👥 Group Coaching with Monthly Student Calls

Perfect for families who want expert advice and community support without the full 1-on-1 price tag. Get guidance, encouragement, and answers to your burning questions all year long. Plus, it keeps students accountable and on track!

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🌟 Imagine Scholarships Platform – Only $19.99/month

Packed with:

• Over $9 billion in scholarships, contests, and internships

• A personalized scholarship dashboard

• Tools to help track, plan, and win

• College admissions tips, video tutorials, and success strategies

• Weekly updates, resources, and support

It’s your scholarship search made smart, simple, and strategic.

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🎉 Final Thoughts

Application season doesn’t have to be stressful. Once you know whether you’re filling out a national, state, or school-specific application, you’ll feel like you’ve unlocked the secret level of the college admissions game.

And remember: you don’t have to figure this out alone. We’re here to help guide your family every step of the way—from applications to scholarships to move-in day.

So grab a highlighter, circle those deadlines, and let’s get to work.

You’ve got this—and we’ve got you.

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