Hey all, as I'm beginning my college applications, I have been trying to weigh the pros and cons of the Coalition app vs. the Common app. Any thoughts on which one is more user-friendly or offers any advantages?
Choosing between the Coalition Application and the Common Application really comes down to your personal preferences and the schools to which you are applying. Both platforms are widely accepted; the Common App is accepted by over 900 schools, while the Coalition App is accepted by approximately 150 schools.
The Common App is often praised for its user-friendly design. It has been around since the 1970s, and in that time, it has been refined based on user feedback. Many students find its interface to be intuitive and easy to navigate. Additionally, the Common App offers a larger number of university listings, which can be particularly useful if you're applying to a broad range of schools.
On the other hand, the Coalition App was designed to be more inclusive and to assist underrepresented and lower-income students. For instance, it provides a platform where you can start building your 'locker', a portfolio of your work throughout high school, as early as freshman year. This tool can help you keep track of your growth and experiences over time, which can be particularly useful when it comes to writing your essays and filling out your applications.
Each application has its unique essay prompts. You might find one set of prompts more appealing or suited to your experiences than the other. It's worth mentioning that most schools that accept the Coalition App also accept the Common App, so if one set of prompts inspires you, it might make sense to lean that way.
To make your decision, consider the schools you want to apply to (and what applications they accept), the tools that each platform provides, and where you feel you can best represent yourself. Ultimately, the goal is to choose the platform that can best showcase your accomplishments, personality, and potential.
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