Common App vs School-specific Applications - Which Should I Go For?

Hey folks, junior here getting a tad overwhelmed with the application process. I've seen you can apply through the Common App or directly to a school's own portal. What are the advantages of using Common App over applying directly? Does any approach increase my acceptance odds, or should I just go with whatever's easier?

Hey there! It's totally normal to feel a bit swamped by the application process, so let's sort through this together. The Common App is widely used because it streamlines the process, enabling you to apply to multiple colleges with one set of materials. This can save you a lot of time, particularly if the schools you're interested in are on the Common App. You fill out your personal details, extracurriculars, and essays just once, then you can tweak supplemental essays for individual schools as needed.

Using the Common Application doesn't necessarily increase your acceptance odds, but it does ensure that you're able to present a polished and coherent application to multiple schools. On the other hand, some colleges might have a school-specific application portal that could offer a more tailored approach – for example, they might have different essay prompts that allow you to focus more closely on that school's particular ethos or mission. Whether to use the Common App or a school-specific application often boils down to which schools you're applying to and your personal preference for managing applications.

If the colleges you're eyeing accept the Common App, I'd recommend starting there. It's generally a huge time-saver and can help reduce some of the stress associated with the application process. Best of luck!