College application
Meaning: The formal process of applying to attend a college or university, including essays, transcripts, and standardized tests.
The college application process is a defining rite of passage for American teenagers. It involves SAT/ACT scores, personal essays, letters of recommendation, extracurricular lists, and increasingly — anxiety. 'I am working on my college applications' means months of stress. The Common App made applying to multiple schools easier (and more competitive). 'Early decision' (binding), 'early action' (non-binding), and 'regular decision' are the three waves. Application season consumes the fall of senior year.
Examples
- I submitted 15 college applications and I am emotionally exhausted. 我提交了15份大学申请,整个人精疲力竭了。Envié 15 solicitudes universitarias y estoy emocionalmente agotado.大学の出願書類を15校分提出して、精神的にヘトヘトだ。대학 지원서를 15개 학교에 제출하고 정신적으로 녹초가 됐다.
- Her college application essay was about growing up in a bilingual household. 她的大学申请文书写的是在双语家庭长大的经历。Su ensayo de solicitud universitaria trataba sobre crecer en un hogar bilingüe.彼女の大学出願エッセイはバイリンガルの家庭で育った経験について書いた。그녀의 대학 지원 에세이는 이중 언어 가정에서 자란 경험에 대한 것이었다.
- College application season is the most stressful time in high school. 大学申请季是高中最让人焦虑的时期。La temporada de solicitudes universitarias es el momento más estresante del instituto.大学出願シーズンは高校で最もストレスフルな時期だ。대학 지원 시즌은 고등학교에서 가장 스트레스가 많은 시기다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: high school, admissions, stress
Tone: stressful, hopeful
✓ Do Say
- How are your college applications going?你的大学申请进展怎么样?¿Cómo van tus solicitudes universitarias?大学出願の調子はどう?대학 지원은 잘 되고 있어?
- I finished all my applications!我所有的申请都提交完了!¡Terminé todas mis solicitudes!全部の出願を終わらせた!지원서 다 끝냈어!
✗ Don't Say
- The process is genuinely stressful — do not trivialize it.这个过程确实压力很大——不要轻描淡写。El proceso es genuinamente estresante — no lo trivialices.このプロセスは本当にストレスフルだ——軽く見てはいけない。이 과정은 진짜 스트레스다 — 가볍게 여기지 마라.
Origin & History
Formalized college admissions developed in the early 1900s. The Common Application (1975) standardized the process. Competition has intensified dramatically since the 1990s.
Cultural Context
Era: 1960s–present
Generation: All generations
Social background: Universal
Regional notes: All regions
More From This Topic
More from College Life
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free