Do I only need the Common App for the college application process?

Trying to simplify my college applications and I'm wondering if the Common App is all I need. Do all colleges accept it, or do I need to apply separately elsewhere too?

While the Common App is extraordinarily helpful and streamlines much of the application process, it's not the sole platform that all universities and colleges use. Some institutions have their own application systems or use other platforms, and thus don't accept the Common App.

For example, the University of California system, which includes ten undergraduate campuses, doesn't participate in the Common App and instead requires students to apply through the UC application portal. Similarly, institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Georgetown University have their own unique applications and do not use the Common App.

There's also the Coalition for College application, which is another platform similar to the Common App, that is used by over 150 American colleges and universities. Some colleges will accept both the Common App and the Coalition App, while others might only use the Coalition App.

Moreover, in Texas, there is another system in place known as Apply Texas, which is used by public universities in that state including Texas A&M University and University of Texas at Austin.

In essence, while the Common App is used by many schools and can simplify the process, you should still check the specific application requirements on each school's official website to verify their preferred or required application method.