<p>While I totally agree that the process is daunting and frustrating to say the least, I do understand the differences. There are certainly similarities among the colleges, but there are also big differences, and that is part of what we all look for when applying. So, it also stands to reason that there would NEED to be differences in the applications. Especially if a school uses the common app. There have to be ways for schools to hone in on what they want from their applicants. Not every student wants the same things in a school, and not every school wants the same things in the applicants.</p>