applied for college

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "applied for college" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the process of submitting an application to a college or university for admission. Example: "After months of preparation, I finally applied for college and submitted my application last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

They applied for college.

The Guardian

Harvard rejected him when he applied for college at 16, and he attended Brown University instead.

The New York Times - Science

Three other black assistants who asked not to be identified, including one with a Super Bowl-contending team, said they had applied for college head-coaching positions during the last two weeks.

The New York Times - Sports

Remember the universal common application you may have filled out when you applied for college?

TechCrunch

This would imply an even lower average score below the cutoff if those excluded from the sample had applied for college at the right age.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

That is, if the missing children applied for college at the right age, they would perform worse than those who do actually apply, lowering the average score below the cutoff.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Plus, I didn't get into any of my safety schools when I applied for colleges.

The New York Times

I didn't know what I wanted when I applied for colleges, but I do now.

Huffington Post

It would also apply to students applying for college.

The Guardian

He failed his GCSEs, didn't apply for college.

The Guardian - Music

I'll be a senior next year, applying for college.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing college applications, ensure clarity by specifying any additional requirements or specific programs, such as "applied for college scholarships" or "applied for college financial aid."

Common error

Avoid using the present tense when referring to a past action. Instead of "I apply for college", use the correct past tense: "I applied for college."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "applied for college" functions as a verb phrase indicating that someone has submitted an application to a college or university. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. The phrase showcases the action of formally seeking admission to an institution of higher learning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "applied for college" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the action of submitting an application to a college or university. Ludwig AI indicates it's a standard and acceptable phrase across different contexts. While the phrase is relatively common, appearing in news, academic, and personal contexts, it's essential to use the correct tense to maintain clarity and accuracy. Consider alternatives like "submitted a college application" for a more formal tone or "sought college admission" to emphasize the desire for entry.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

submitted a college application

This alternative focuses on the action of submitting the required documents for college admission.

sought college admission

This phrase emphasizes the desire to gain entry into a college or university.

applied to universities

This broadens the scope to include applications to multiple institutions of higher learning.

put in an application for college

This is an informal way of saying someone has started the college application process.

initiated college enrollment process

This alternative emphasizes the beginning stages of becoming a college student.

undertook college admissions procedure

This formal phrase highlights the steps involved in the college application process.

lodged a college application

This alternative is a more formal way of indicating that an application has been officially submitted.

matriculated to college

This alternative refers to being enrolled as a student at a college or university.

registered for higher education

This alternative shifts the focus to the registration aspect of the process.

pursued university acceptance

This alternative implies a focused and intentional effort to be accepted into a university program.

FAQs

What does it mean to have "applied for college"?

To have "applied for college" means you have completed and submitted the necessary application forms to one or more colleges or universities in the hopes of being admitted as a student.

What is a more formal way to say "applied for college"?

A more formal way to say "applied for college" is "submitted a college application" or "sought college admission".

Which is correct, "applied for college" or "applied to college"?

"Applied for college" is more commonly used when referring to the general process of seeking admission. "Applied to college" is correct if you are specifying which college you "applied to universities".

What are some things to consider after you have "applied for college"?

After you have "applied for college", you should monitor your email for updates from the colleges, prepare for potential interviews, and explore financial aid and scholarship options. Consider also whether you "sought college admission" to safety schools.