University of Washington	The UW application requires family and testing information, a self-reported transcript, an extra-curricular activity list with details about leadership roles, and a personal statement. School reports, teacher recommendations, and mid-year reports are not required for regular admission. The Honors Program requires, in addition, a letter of recommendation and an extra essay. An official transcript is required for some students.
The University of California	The UC application is also simple. The main application includes family and testing information, a chart to list honors and activities, a self-reported transcript form, and a 3-part personal statement. School reports, teacher recommendations, and mid-year reports are not required. A transcript is sent only when a student is admitted, to confirm the self-reported grades.
The Common Application	This generic application, accepted by hundreds of colleges, includes a main application, a school report, teacher recommendations, and a mid-year report. These colleges have signed an agreement to regard a Common Application as equivalent to their own forms. Many colleges (including Harvard and Dartmouth) now use the Common Application exclusively, although they may require applicants to fill out a supplemental form to accompany the Common Application.
Institution-Specific Applications	Institution-specific applications for private universities and colleges are more elaborate, including all or most of the forms listed earlier. Sometimes they include special forms for students interested in sports or the arts, additional short answer questions, or supplementary school report or financial aid forms. Examples of private schools that have institution-specific applications and do not accept the Common Application are the University of Chicago and Brown University.
Electronic Applications	Electronic applications are becoming increasingly common and user-friendly. A few universities require this form of application, or give application fee discounts for electronic filers. You can fill out the UW, UC, Common, and most college-specific applications online and send them electronically, or download completed forms to send by mail.

Printable Forms

Information Request Tracker

Application Checklist

Individual College Application Tracker

Essay Checklist

Interview Checklist

Recommendation Checklist

Junior Checklist

Senior Checklist