You have several options when it comes to applying for colleges and universities. It is all a matter of what works best for the student. That's YOU! Keep in mind that each school has specific instructions and deadlines.  Pay attention. Be accurate. Be complete!

Apply Texas
ApplyTexas is an application used by a number of institutions in Texas, including all public universities as well as many private schools and community colleges. ApplyTexas offers three essay prompts, but each school specifies which prompt they want students to choose (sometimes they will allow students to choose from any of the three). If you are planning to use ApplyTexas and one or more additional application platforms, it’s a good idea to start with the ApplyTexas essay because the topics are more restrictive than those offered on the Common or Coalition. Review the 2020-21 ApplyTexas essay questions. 
The Common Application
The Common App is used by approximately 900 colleges and universities. It is used not only by many colleges in the US, but many outside of the US as well. The Common App requires students to write an essay of up to 650 words, based on a topic chosen from a list of seven prompts. Review the 2020-21 Common App essay prompts.
The Coalition Application
The Coalition  requires member schools to demonstrate support for low-income students. The platform is unique in offering a virtual “locker” where students can store application materials as early as ninth grade. The Coalition requires students to choose from five essay prompts. Review the Coalition Application essay prompts. There is no word limit (although the recommendation is 500-550) so students frequently use the same essay for the Common App and the Coalition App. Note, though, that essay requirements can vary by institution.