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@DebaterMAX
905 answers, 732 votes
 • 3 years ago •
Admissions Advice
[edited]

3 part question: When can I access the 2021-2022 application?
Answered

1. When does CommonAppand coalition release their prompts so I can get a jump start?

2. I know neither Common or Coalition is better but is either of them more convenient?

3. As I have about 4-5 definitive ECs but about 7 additional ECs I can feasibly list. Is Coalition or Common better as Common has 10 and Coalition has 8? Or is there no difference?

application
1
10
[🎤 AUTHOR]@DebaterMAX3 years ago

FYI: Rephrased 3 for grammar and clarity

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Accepted Answer
@Melokenzie
138 answers, 304 votes
 • 3 years ago

Hi there, I am actually part of the class of 2022 but I have already started my common app application. I can't say for coalition but i'm assuming it's the same or similar. I made my commonapp account on a random day sometime near the beginning of the fall term last year so I don't think there is a set time it gets opened. I filled out all the basic info like name, address, etc. Since i'm not applying until the fall i kept the essay parts empty but you can see them. I think you can even see the prompts on here but I don't remember when. One thing I learned about coalition is that instead of being essay based you can make a virtual locker with information you think is worth mentioning and then at the end when you're going to submit your application you pick one item and write about why you think it is something the college should know about you. So in that sense it would vary on what you are more comfortable with, writing more, or having a visual element (even though you still need to write what it is and why it's important).

As for ECs I think it depends. You have 7 including the maybes so you could still add them all in both so it depends on which app you like better. My suggestion is opening both and exploring which one seems better to you. I know for my dream school they don't care which application is sent as long as it is complete and represents you well. I assume most schools are the same. Good luck! Sorry if I didn't answer all your questions.

1
[🎤 AUTHOR]@DebaterMAX3 years ago

I actually have about 12 ECs I can list so can’t tell if 8 or 10 would be better. Especially as is more better or more clutter? Thank you!

@juanaderdoy3 years ago

The more, the better! Even if your time commitment was minimal, it demonstrates that you like to be active in your community. I would be more hesitant if the extra 2 extracurriculars are school clubs with very minimal involvement. For example, one that isn't related to your intended major and have only been a member of for a short time with a regular member involvement. If you really enjoy the activity though, don't hesitate to include it!

3
@ShaquilleOatmeal
expert
337 answers, 656 votes
 • 3 years ago

3 part answer for you @DebaterMAX!

1) Both Common App and Coalition will open on August 1st so you have a bit of waiting ahead of you. But I believe (and please tell me if this ends up being wrong) you can create an account now and fill in the general information if that's something you want to do.

2) I would say Common App I guess? Only because more schools accept it so you can apply to most from a single site. Maybe one is more convenient to you in terms of navigation or something but that would be a personal decision.

3) I don't think there is much of a difference considering you could fill either list up if you choose to do so. If most of the schools you want to apply to accept both applications then it's personal choice again.

Finally, check out this blog post we made: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-common-application-essays-2021-2022/. While that was for prompts for this year they often are similar/stay the same. You can start to brainstorm and write some ideas down now and really get a head start for your application. I'd recommend you don't commit too much to writing your essay though in case the prompts are vastly different for some reason.

3
[🎤 AUTHOR]@DebaterMAX3 years ago

Thanks! All of my top schools accept both so I was more asking is one easier to fill out on point 2. As for point 3 thanks! I couldn’t tell if more would be cluttered or if more is better. I didn’t know if the apps would release prompts around start of summer compared to when they accept applications. Thank you!

@ShaquilleOatmeal
expert
3 years ago [edited]

I don't think either are particularly difficult - wish I could give a more helpful answer but it's been a looooong time since I've used either. I would go for Common App just because there is more easily accessible information for it. For 3, check out this article: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-fill-out-the-common-app-activities-section/. Personally I would try to include as many as possible.

1
@juanaderdoy
6 answers, 9 votes
 • 3 years ago

I'm not familiar with Coalition, but as for the CommonApp, The CommonApp has already released their essay prompts for the following year (2022 applicants)! They are remaining the same as usual except for one change; One of the prompts has been replaced with the following:

- Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

As for the rest of the prompts, they are as follows:

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

1
[🎤 AUTHOR]@DebaterMAX3 years ago

Thanks! Can you link the site where it says what the prompts are?

@juanaderdoy3 years ago

https://www.commonapp.org/blog/2021-2022-common-app-essay-prompts

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