A college application is a formal request submitted by a student to gain admission to a college or university. It typically includes personal information, academic records, and standardized test scores. Many applications also require essays, letters of recommendation, and details about extracurricular activities to provide a comprehensive view of the applicant. The college application process often involves deadlines and specific requirements set by each institution. Students may apply to multiple colleges, and some may choose to use a common application platform, such as the Common Application, to streamline the process.