Anonymous wrote:There is no advantage to using one application over another. The common app is meant to help students apply more easily. Colleges do not expect you to re-enter info in a different application just to prove interest. There really aren’t ulterior motives here. They usually supply a separate application for those applying to schools that use different systems such as coalition schools, or if they’re only applying to a few schools and would rather use it.

Then why don’t all colleges just use their application? My DD is applying to a college that does not need an essay or recommendation so she is just doing their specific application.

There is no advantage to using one application over another. The common app is meant to help students apply more easily. Colleges do not expect you to re-enter info in a different application just to prove interest. There really aren’t ulterior motives here. They usually supply a separate application for those applying to schools that use different systems such as coalition schools, or if they’re only applying to a few schools and would rather use it.

Colleges see what you submit on Common App only after you submit it.

Each college has the possibility to add supplemental questions and essays. So when you click on the the school once added to your common app, there may be additional material to fill out, such as supplemental essays. Those only go to the college that requests them, and only once you click submit (and pay, if applicable).

Is there any advantage to just using the specific college's application vs. the Common App? I read a few articles that said using the specific application is a way to show demonstarted interest.

Also, can colleges you've specified on the Common App see what you've entered before you submit it?

If you submit an essay on the Common App but one college doesn't need one, do they see it and just ignore it? How are the supplemental essays linked? Seems in some ways going to each college might be easier.

There has to be a good YouTube video on this that I just can't find.