What is the College Coalition?

I've been doing some research on college application platforms and I came across the College Coalition. Can someone explain what this is and how it's different from the Common App? Thank you!

The College Coalition, also known as the Coalition for College or Coalition Application, is an alternative college application platform to the Common App. It was launched in 2015 to provide a more accessible and streamlined application process for students, especially those from low-income or underrepresented backgrounds.

Some key differences between the Coalition Application and the Common App are as follows:

1. Membership: The Coalition has a smaller group of member schools - around 150 institutions, as compared to the Common App's 900+. Coalition member colleges must demonstrate a commitment to affordability and access, with many being well-known for providing significant financial aid and support to high-achieving students from underrepresented backgrounds.

2. The Locker: Unique to the Coalition Application is a feature called "The Locker," which allows students to start collecting materials (such as essays, projects, and other achievements) as early as ninth grade. This feature aims to encourage students to document and reflect upon their accomplishments throughout high school, making it easier for them to recall and showcase their growth when it's time to apply to college.

3. Essay prompts: The Coalition Application has its own set of essay prompts that are distinct from the Common App prompts. While some overlap may exist, students will need to review and potentially tailor their essays to fit the specific questions posed by the Coalition Application.

4. Application interface: The user interface of the Coalition Application is somewhat different from the Common App. Some students and counselors find it more user-friendly and intuitive, while others may prefer the Common App experience. It's mostly a matter of personal preference.

5. School-specific requirements: Some colleges and universities may have different requirements or questions for applicants depending on which platform they apply through. It's essential for students to research the schools they're interested in and make sure they understand the specific application requirements related to the platform they choose.

Ultimately, whether you choose to use the Coalition Application, the Common App, or both will depend on the schools you're applying to and which platform you prefer. Be sure to double-check the list of schools that accept each application to ensure you submit the right materials to your target colleges. Good luck with your college applications!