August 1st marked the official “relaunch” of the Common Application for the 2021/2022 application season! But amid all the excitement, it’s important to remember that the Common App is just one of several platforms you can use to submit applications to US universities. Yes, it’s a big one (with nearly 950 participating colleges and universities), but quite a few popular colleges and universities actually don’t accept the Common App.
Additionally, each college decides which application platform(s) they will accept, and since many colleges offer more than one option, it is up to the student to decide which application they would like to use. No preference is ever given to one platform over another when it comes to application evaluation.
So, what are the different application platforms?
Common Application
The Common Application is – you guessed it – the most commonly used platform. It has nearly 950 participating colleges and universities in the United States and around the world. Due to its wide use, many education professionals are well-versed in the various sections of the application, making it easier to find application advice and support. Most students will find that they have at least one Common App school on their college list.
FUN FACT: The Common Application allows you to start your application before August 1 due to its rollover feature. This makes it easy for you to begin work on your application during your summer vacation.
Coalition Application
The Coalition Application has grown in popularity since it opened in 2015, with more than 150 member schools in 2021. The Coalition was founded to better support lower-income, under-resourced, and/or first-generation students in pursuing access to higher education. The application provides “lockers” which allow students to store documents online as early as 9th grade, as well as a collaboration space and other resources. While most popular colleges that accept the Coalition Application also accept the Common Application, there are a few that do not (Rutgers University, UT Austin, and University of Washington to name a few).
FUN FACT: In order to become a Coalition member, colleges must meet certain criteria that demonstrate their affordability, commitment to need-based financial aid, and successful graduation rates.
State System Applications
Some state-wide institutions such as the University of California, California State University, and the State University of New York (SUNY) have their own centralized application systems that allow you to apply to any of their campuses with just one application. The University of California system also has its own set of essays and deadlines to go along with their application system, so keep an eye out for that as you prepare to apply!
FUN FACT: 25 of the 64 SUNY campuses also accept the Common Application in addition to the state-wide SUNY application.
Individual College Applications
Several highly selective schools such as Georgetown University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the US Military and Naval Academies, among others, still prefer to use their own individual applications. For these schools, the only option is to apply through their system, so it’s important to make sure you read all instructions and supplemental materials carefully.
FUN FACT: Some schools will accept either their individual application or a shared application platform, such as the Common App or Coalition App. In these cases, you can select whichever one you prefer.
No matter where you are in your application journey, LogicPrep is here to help. Our College Advisors can help you determine which college applications are right for you and keep you on track to complete them successfully.