This is the 702nd most frequent Chinese word.
申请
"申请" means "to apply" or "application."
In this sentence, '申请' is used to denote the formal process of requesting admission to a university.
我正在申请大学。
I am applying for college.
Here, '申请' refers to the process of submitting a request to be considered for a job position.
他申请了一份新工作。
He applied for a new job.
In this case, '申请' is used for making an official request to receive a scholarship.