Coalition vs. Common App: Which One is Better?
It’s that time again: college application season! As you start preparing your personal statements and transcripts, a crucial decision remains: which application platform to use, the Common App or the Coalition App? While both options share the common goal of streamlining the application process, they differ in several ways.
Understanding these distinctions will be key to choosing the platform that aligns best with your preferences and the requirements of the colleges on your list. This blog will be your guide on this journey. We’ll compare the features, college compatibility, and hidden perks of each platform, so you can apply with confidence (and maybe even a little less stress).
What is the Common App?
The Common Application, or Common App, is a nonprofit organization that provides the most popular college application platform in the US. It is used by more than 1,000 colleges and universities in the US and abroad. The Common App allows you to apply to up to 20 schools using one centralized application. Both high school students and transfer students can use this platform. You submit personal and academic information on the platform and respond to one of the personal statement prompts. This information goes to each school to which you apply. You can also submit supplemental materials required by individual colleges via the Common App.
What is the Coalition App?
The Coalition Application, like the Common App, is a centralized platform that streamlines the college application process for students applying to multiple colleges. It caters to first-year students, transfer students, and international applicants. Over 150 colleges and universities currently accept the Coalition App, with many belonging to the Common App network as well. Notably, the Coalition Application prioritizes access for historically underrepresented students. Member schools share this mission and are required to meet specific standards related to affordability (tuition costs), financial aid (need-based aid), and student success (graduation rates).
Differences Between the Common App and the Coalition App
1. Number of colleges
When it comes to the number of colleges you can apply to through each platform, there’s a significant difference. The Common App, with its establishment in 1975, has a much larger network of participating institutions. Over 1000 colleges and universities in the US use the Common App for their application processes. On the other hand, the Coalition App, founded in 2015, is a newer platform with a smaller pool of partner colleges. Currently, there are more than 150 colleges that accept applications through the Coalition App. However, it’s worth noting that the Coalition App is growing, and more schools are joining its network every year.
2. Features
Both the Common App and the Coalition App offer different features to help students streamline the college application process. The Common App has a rollover feature, which allows students to save information they’ve entered from one year to the next. This is particularly beneficial for students who plan to apply to colleges early in their senior year. By having their basic information pre-saved, they can save valuable time and focus on crafting strong essays and recommendation requests.
On the other hand, the Coalition App takes a different approach with its “Locker” feature. This digital storage space allows students to upload and organize a variety of application materials beyond the standard essays. This can include creative writing samples, video presentations, or even project portfolios. By utilizing Locker, students can keep all their relevant work in one central location, making it easier to share specific pieces with colleges that request them.
Another such feature is the “collaboration space.” This allows students to invite teachers, counselors, and even family members to participate in their application journey. Collaborators can review drafts of essays, provide feedback on activities and achievements, and offer encouragement throughout the process.
Read Also – 7 Outstanding Common App Essay Examples 2024
3. Familiarity with platforms
When it comes to familiarity with college applications, teachers and guidance counselors often have a deeper understanding of the Common App compared to the Coalition App. This makes perfect sense. The Common App has been around for a significantly longer time, giving educators years of experience helping students navigate its features and requirements. This familiarity allows them to provide more targeted guidance on completing applications effectively.
However, the scenario is slowly changing. The Coalition App is gaining traction, and as its popularity grows, we can expect teachers and counselors to become more comfortable using it.
4. Emphasis on supporting underrepresented students
The Coalition App partners exclusively with colleges that prioritize representation, affordability, and accessibility. These partner institutions typically offer generous financial aid packages, have lower overall tuition costs, and boast high graduation rates, especially for students from low-income backgrounds or those traditionally underrepresented in higher education. This ensures that qualified students can focus on their achievements and potential rather than their financial limitations when considering their college options.
Read Also – Common App Colleges: List of Schools Use the Common Application
5. Technical support
The high volume of users on the Common App, exceeding 3 million annually, can lead to congested periods around application deadlines. This translates to potential difficulties in reaching technical support precisely when students need it most. The Coalition App, with a smaller user base, might offer more readily available tech support during these peak times as it handles a lower volume of requests.
Regardless of the platform you choose, it’s important to get a head start on the college application process. By beginning well in advance of deadlines, you can avoid potential bottlenecks that could arise from high user traffic or unforeseen technical issues. This proactive approach ensures you have ample time to complete your applications smoothly and efficiently.
Read Also – 7 Common App Essay Prompts for 2023-2024 Application Cycle
Do Colleges Prefer the Common App or the Coalition App?
Colleges that accept applications through multiple platforms, such as the Common Application and the Coalition Application, typically don’t have a preference for one over the other. This means the choice of application platform comes down to what works best for the student. Recognizing this, many colleges offer multiple application options to cater to the needs and situations of their applicants.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that there can be some practical considerations. The Common Application has been around for a longer time, and many colleges have built their internal systems around it. This can make the application process smoother for both the student and the college. Additionally, the Common App is likely more familiar to teachers and counselors, who can provide valuable assistance with the application process. This could be an advantage for students who need help navigating the application or require additional support in completing essays or recommendation requests.
Read Also – Common Black College Application: List of Schools Accepting It in 2024
From the Desk of Yocket
The Common App is a one-stop shop for applying to a large number of colleges, especially those on the East Coast. It also allows you to list more extracurricular activities, which can be helpful if you have a diverse range of interests. Additionally, the Common App’s rollover feature lets you save information year-to-year. It streamlines the application process if you’re applying to colleges early.
However, the Coalition App offers some unique advantages. If you’re applying to colleges that are members of the Coalition itself (which includes some prestigious universities like Stanford and Johns Hopkins), you might benefit from features specifically designed for those schools. Another feature is the Locker function, which acts like a digital portfolio where you can store anything that might show your talents and achievements to colleges.
The Coalition App also emphasizes supporting underrepresented students, with member institutions often committed to offering scholarships and financial aid. If those aspects are important to you, the Coalition App might be a better fit. However, keep in mind that the Coalition App isn’t accepted by as many schools as the Common App, so double-check if your target colleges are on board. Additionally, platforms like Yocket can offer insights into which application system aligns better with your college choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do colleges prefer the Common App or the Coalition App?
No. Colleges that accept both the Common App and the Coalition App consider them equally. The content and quality of your application matter most.
Is there a cost difference between the Common App and the Coalition App?
Both the Common App and the Coalition App are free to use. You’ll only pay the application fees charged by each college (unless you qualify for a waiver).
Between the Common App and the Coalition App, which app has more colleges?
The Common App has 1081 colleges on board, compared to the Coalition App’s 150 or so. However, the Coalition App is gaining traction, and some colleges accept both applications.