apply for school

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apply for school" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to applying to a school, college, or university. For example, "John filled out his application and is ready to apply for school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The existence of companies like Manhattan Private School Advisors which charges parents $18,500, non-refundable, to help them apply for school places suggests that some schools' fees are well below the market-clearing rate.

The Economist

The association's comments come ahead of Thursday's deadline for the parents of some 370,000 three and four-year-olds to apply for school places for their children.

BBC

For example, they might need to arrange for medical rehabilitation, apply for school admission, attend after-school child care, apply for economic allowance, attend parental education programs, etc; all of this must be arranged concurrently.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

These youth started with nothing, and made it this far on their own; the least we can do is give them the assistance they need to rent an apartment, secure a job, or apply for school loans.

Huffington Post

She counsels AST to apply for school in a timely manner and provides educational resources to AST students & parents in making wise & educated decisions in choosing the best colleges & universities mainly in the U.S. JAM, JR: How are you today Ms. Aviles?

Huffington Post

Borrow as little as possible when you apply for school loans, and learn to economize in every way possible to save yourself money.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Best Of The Web For College Planning 12.02.02 Log on for help in figuring out how to accumulate the funds, apply for schools and get scholarships.

Forbes

Young people don't want to apply for schools with the notion that an "average" job lies on the other end.

Huffington Post

In my district I have told the health workers to apply for schools they want.

Human Resources for Health

I came from France in August and I applied for school in January but I'm not going to go.

The New Yorker

We knew we did not have the money for school to begin with, but we had applied for school visas because that was the only way out".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing specific schools or programs, use precise language to indicate whether you are referring to the application process generally or to a particular stage (e.g., "applying to medical school" vs. "applying for a scholarship").

Common error

Avoid using "apply in school" when you mean "apply for school." "Apply in school" would refer to using something within the school environment, not the act of applying to attend a school.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apply for school" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of formally requesting admission to an educational institution. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "apply for school" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe the process of seeking admission to an educational institution. While not extremely frequent, Ludwig AI indicates its use is valid across various contexts, though it appears more commonly in news, science, and wiki-based sources. When writing, be mindful of the difference between "apply for school" and similar-sounding phrases, and consider more specific language depending on the formality and audience of your communication. Remember that while "apply to school" is less common it can be used when emphasizing the direct recipient of the application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

submit a school application

Focuses on the action of submitting the application document.

enroll in an educational institution

Emphasizes the result of being accepted and registering at the school.

seek admission to a school

Highlights the act of trying to gain entry to a school.

gain acceptance into a school program

Stresses the achievement of being admitted to a particular program.

register for classes

Focuses on the act of selecting and signing up for specific courses.

seek enrollment at a university

This focuses on the action of enrollment at a specific academic institution.

make an application to study

Highlights the intention of academic study

pursue a place at college

Highlights the proactive effort of trying to obtain a spot in a college.

enter an academic establishment

Focuses on joining the school community

try out for an institution

Emphasizes the attempt and the competitive aspect.

FAQs

What is the general process to "apply for school"?

The general process involves researching schools, preparing application materials like transcripts and essays, filling out applications, and submitting them before the deadline. Some schools may also require interviews or entrance exams.

What can I say instead of "apply for school"?

You can use alternatives like "submit a school application", "seek admission to a school", or "enroll in an educational institution" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "apply for school" or "apply to school"?

"Apply for school" is the idiomatic and grammatically accepted form. "Apply to school" is less common but can be used when emphasizing the direct recipient of the application.

What are the common requirements when you "apply for school"?

Common requirements often include academic transcripts, standardized test scores (like the SAT or ACT for undergraduate admissions), letters of recommendation, personal essays, and application fees. Specific requirements vary by institution and program.