When comparing the Coalition App to the Common App, students have a lot to consider. Many wonder if one platform offers an advantage over the other. However, the answer to this question depends on several factors.
What is the Common App?
For over 40 years, the Common App has simplified college admissions for many students. What began as an experimental collaboration is now the world’s largest centralized college application platform, which is accepted by schools in the U.S. and abroad. It allows students to save time applying to multiple colleges and universities by using one application.
The Common App lets students create an account to store their high school transcript, activities, test scores, and other key information. Its rollover feature allows students to access and update their profiles throughout high school. Additionally, the platform’s dashboard includes checklists so students can ensure they’ve met all requirements before submitting.
Students applying through the Common App can choose from a list of essay prompts accepted by all member schools. This reduces the number of main essays applicants need to write for each institution on their list.
Once complete, students can use their application to apply to up to 20 colleges and universities at once.
What is the Coalition Application?
In 2015, about 80 top colleges and universities launched what is now known as the Coalition App.
This platform aims to streamline applications and help underserved students access quality, affordable education. It works to remove barriers faced by first-generation and underrepresented students pursuing higher education.
Like the Common App, the Coalition App lets applicants complete one form and submit it with relevant documents to multiple schools. It also offers a list of essay prompts that partnering institutions have agreed to accept.
What are the Differences Between Common App vs Coalition App?
Several key differences set the Common App and Coalition App apart.
The Common App Has More Partner Schools
The Common App’s longer history means more colleges are familiar with the platform and have had time to join. Currently, over 1,000 colleges accept the Common App, while about 170 institutions partner with the Coalition App.
Coalition Member Schools Must Meet Specific Criteria
Schools must meet strict eligibility requirements to partner with the Coalition App. They must show commitment to helping underserved students get a college education and be open to students from all backgrounds.
These institutions should offer in-state tuition, meet full demonstrated need, and/or graduate students with low debt and default rates. Additionally, they must provide strong financial aid to make college affordable for underserved students.
Interested schools should also have high graduation rates, especially for disadvantaged students. While these requirements mean fewer universities use the Coalition App, students can trust that member schools will support their goals.
The Coalition App Offers More Student Resources
The Coalition App provides many tools to help students on their college journey. Each profile includes a virtual locker where students can store unlimited writing samples, photos, videos, awards, and information on projects and activities starting in freshman year. It also offers resources in Spanish to help non-English-speaking parents engage in the application process.
Different Application Features
Both platforms let students save information during high school. The Common App allows PDF uploads of previous applications, essays, and responses to platform tabs. The Coalition App’s Locker feature accepts videos, writing samples, and more.
All content rolls over each year, so students can reference these materials while working on their application.
Is It Better to Apply Through the Coalition App or Common App?
There’s no clear advantage to using one app over the other. The best choice depends on the colleges on a student’s list and on each student’s situation.
The Common App is more widely accepted, making it a good choice for students applying to numerous schools. Its familiarity among counselors and admissions officers can be helpful.
However, the Coalition App might be better for students who want more support throughout high school. Its Locker feature and focus on underserved students can be valuable for those seeking extra guidance.
Students should check which application each of their target schools accepts. Some colleges only use one, while others accept both. If all chosen institutions accept both, students can pick based on which platform they find easier to use.
In the end, both apps serve the same purpose: to simplify the college application process. Neither gives a significant advantage in admissions decisions. Colleges and universities care more about the content of the application than the platform used to submit it.
When it comes to college admissions, the most important factors are a student’s academic record, test scores, essays, and extracurricular activities.
Regardless of which platform students choose, they should focus on presenting the best possible application. Of course, the goal is to showcase strengths and appropriate fit for each college. Whether using the Common App or Coalition App, students should put their best foot forward in every aspect of their application.
What Students Should Know When Choosing Between the Common App and Coalition App
When deciding between the Common App and Coalition App, students should first check which platform their target schools accept. Using an application platform that isn’t accepted by their chosen institutions won’t be beneficial.
Some universities may not participate in either program, while others might use different platforms. In such cases, students should opt for the system that works with most of their target schools and apply directly to the others.
If all potential schools accept both platforms, other factors come into play.
Universities don’t prefer one application platform over the other, so students won’t be at a disadvantage or an advantage based on their choice.
When selecting a platform, students should consider the resources each offers. Those seeking collaboration with mentors or teachers for recommendation letters might prefer the Coalition App. Alternatively, students looking for a straightforward system may find the Common App more user-friendly.
Take the Next Step in Your College Application Journey
At C2 Education, we’re committed to helping students reach their academic goals. Whether you need tutoring, test preparation, or guidance through the college admissions process, our subject matter experts and college admissions counselors are here to support your child.
Keep your child on the right track with our College Admissions Counseling services. Contact us today to learn more.
