Starting to fill out applications and I’m seeing some of my schools are on both the Coalition app and the Common app. Is there any major difference between the two, or advantages to using one over the other? Would love to hear from anyone who’s applied through both or had to choose between them!
Hey there! Great question, and it's wonderful to see you're exploring your application options. Both the Common App and Coalition App are widely accepted online platforms for college applications. The main difference lies in the philosophy behind them.
The Coalition App tends to focus on providing a platform for low-income and under-resourced students, and features a 'Locker' where you can store important documents and materials over time. It's also used by a smaller number of schools, around 150 members. On the other hand, the Common App is used by over 900 institutions and generally has a more extensive reach.
When it comes down to choosing which one, it often depends on the specific colleges you're applying to and your personal preference. If all of your schools are on both, you might want to use the system that feels more intuitive to you or that you find easier to navigate. Some students find the interface of one to be more user-friendly than the other. I usually advise students to create an account on both, spend some time navigating the platforms, and then choose the one they feel more comfortable with.
Just remember to only submit through one platform for each school to avoid any confusion in the admissions office. If you need more detailed guidance on the differences and how they might apply to you personally, my door is always open. Best of luck!
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