Pros and Cons: Applying via Common App vs Direct Application?

As application season looms, I'm weighing my options and I'm caught in a dilemma. Is there any real benefit to applying through the Common App versus applying directly to each college’s website? Does either method have a higher acceptance rate or is it all the same in the end? Thoughts?

Hello and thank you for your question, which many students ponder during application season. The Common App is designed to simplify the process by allowing you to fill out one application for multiple schools, which is a significant advantage if you're applying to several colleges that accept the Common App. It saves time by eliminating the need to enter the same information multiple times. You also have the convenience of tracking deadlines and requirements for all your schools in one place.

Direct applications, on the other hand, may be preferred for colleges that have a unique application platform, sometimes because they might offer questions or essay prompts specific to their institution that aren’t on the Common App. It can give you a more tailored experience to the college itself; however, this comes at the expense of convenience.

In terms of acceptance rates, there's no evidence to suggest that one method results in a higher acceptance rate over the other. Colleges are interested in the content and quality of your application, not the method through which it is submitted. Keep in mind that regardless of the platform you choose, it's crucial to ensure that all your applications are thorough, accurate, and reflective of your achievements and potential.

In summary, your decision may come down to balancing convenience versus the potential for a more customized application. Whichever you choose, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to put together a strong application and always double-check for any college-specific requirements or supplements that may be necessary.