Drawbacks to Using the Common App?

Hi there, I am considering applying to multiple colleges through the Common App, but before I do, I am curious... are there any disadvantages of using it I should be aware of?

One potential drawback of using the Common App relates to the personal essay. It employs a common prompt, which means your personal essay needs to be somewhat general to fit within its constraints. This could limit the scope of your story or prevent you from focusing on a particular aspect of your life or experience that a specific university's individual application might allow you to delve into.

Secondly, the Common App is a bit impersonal. Since one application goes to all the colleges on your list, you're unable to tailor each application entirely to better reflect your interest in each individual school. Except for the Supplements section which are college-specific, most parts of the common app are general thus it could be a disadvantage if you are applying to a school that values demonstrated interest.

Lastly, since so many students use the Common App, it increases the competition pool. This means colleges receive a higher number of applications, which can make the admissions selection process even more competitive.

Despite these potential drawbacks, many students find using the Common App a time-efficient way to apply to multiple colleges. It's a handy tool, especially when you're applying to several schools with similar application requirements. It eases the load in terms of administrative work, and the common essay can be a good exercise in crafting a narrative that is compelling but still flexible enough to fit within the provided prompts.

Remember, you can always apply to some schools via the Common App and others via their individual applications, should they offer one that caters to your specific interests or unique story. The most important thing is that your application accurately portrays who you are and what you can bring to the college.