A Closer Look at the Common App and Coalition App

College | College Admissions | Educational Reference

Last updated Jun 21, 2023

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No one wants to fill out their name, address, and date of birth over and over again or send multiple copies of test scores, essays, and recommendations. It’s boring, it’s stressful, and it takes up too much time. That’s where the Common Application (Common App) and Coalition Application (Coalition App) come in: these free online platforms standardize the college application process. And, unlike the competition between the SAT and ACT, these apps complement each other, allowing students to take advantage of the unique benefits each platform has to offer without having to necessarily choose one over the other. The only caveat is that there are some application components that still must be submitted directly to each college on a student’s list, including application fees and supplemental essays. Students can use both apps to track their college application progress, fill out applications, and ultimately submit them. Keep reading to learn more about these platforms and consider a few recommendations.

Common App

The Common App is the more widely known and used of the two apps largely due to the fact that it allows students to apply to over 1,000 colleges and universities around the world.

The Common App features five sections:

Dashboard: This section will give you an overview of the progress you’re making on your college applications, including a list of required tasks. When you create your account, it’s the first thing that shows up.
My Colleges: Lists the schools you have added and important information about each school (e.g. deadlines, application fees, and contact information).
Common App: This is the place where you will provide your family history, official transcripts, and test scores.
College Search: Search for colleges that use the Common App and add them to your list.
Financial Aid Resources: Learn about financial aid and explore scholarship opportunities. Review your financial aid offers, too!

Here are some other things you should know about the Common App:

The application process begins on August 1 and ends on January 1.
If you already started using the Common App to work on your college applications, most of your information will “rollover” on August 1. The activities section and essay get deleted, so you’ll need to take screenshots or keep the text of those sections in a different document so you can copy and paste the information after August 1.
Students can get started with the Common App as early as freshman year, but it’s best to stick to exploring the app (e.g. preview essay topics) and filling out sections like the profile, family information, test scores, and activities.
You can choose one out of seven essay prompts.
You can list up to ten extracurricular activities.
Eligible students can apply for fee waivers.

Coalition App

Even though the Coalition App is only accepted by about 150 colleges, it boasts some great features and benefits that set it apart from the Common App, particularly its promise to help students from diverse social and economic backgrounds access higher education by partnering with schools that are committed to offering generous financial aid packages or low-cost tuition.

The Coalition App is made up of four parts:

The Locker: An online storage space for any documents or materials you need for your application, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, videos, and photos.
The Collaboration Space: Get feedback and support from teachers and counselors by inviting them to this space where you can share things like college lists and essays.
The Coalition Application: Where you will apply to colleges and universities on the Coalition App’s member list.
My Coalition Counselor: Here is an archive of articles and other resources to help you find the information you need to navigate the college application process.

Some other things you should know about the Coalition App:

The platform updates once a year with a “rollover” on July 1, which means everything you’ve been working on will transfer to the updated application. You’ll also be able to review any changes to supplemental essay questions or new application requirements.
You can create an account as early as freshman year to preview the platform and even get a jump start filling out your profile or using its college planning tools.
You can choose one out of five essay prompts.
You can list up to eight extracurricular activities.
Eligible students can apply for fee waivers.

Some Recommendations

As you review what the Common App and Coalition have to offer, remember you can choose to use one or both platforms to apply to college. However, since most if not all coalition schools are available to apply to via the Common App, we recommend using the Common App unless the need-based financial aid is important to you. The Common App is also more familiar to teachers and counselors and more widely accepted by colleges. Ultimately, no matter which platform you choose to use to apply to college, it’s always a good idea to get started the application process early. While these platforms streamline the college application process, you still have to do the work of narrowing down your college list, requesting test scores, transcripts, and recommendations, and writing at least one application essay that tells a vivid, compelling, story about you.

How A+ Can Help

Both the Common App and Coalition App will “rollover” this summer: the Common App on August 1 and the Coalition App on July 1. So if you’re a rising junior who wants to start finalizing a college list and application plan or a rising senior who plans on working on your application essay, this summer is a great time to get a head start on applying to college. A+ Test Prep and Tutoring can help! We not only offer a College Essay Support program, which is a significant component of both the Common and Coalition Apps, and Test Prep Programs for the SAT and ACT, but we also offer College Admissions Coaching. Our Executive Function Coaching services can even help students set and achieve goals related to executive function skills, such as time management and organization, that will give them the skills they need to stay on top of the college admission process and beyond!

At A+ Test Prep and Tutoring, our practices are based on the latest developments in educational theory and research. We have an excellent team of tutors who can help you with standardized testing, executive functioning, or achievement in any other school subject. If you want to find out more about our services, we can be reached at 215-886-9188 or email us at office@aplustutoring.com.

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