<p>If a university has the option to use the Common Application when applying, or its own specialized application (especially in terms of essay questions), does it display a lack of interest or passion for the school to use the Common App? Will it be an advantage to use the university's specialized application when given the option?</p>
<p>They say they have no preference and I honestly believe that. They will not penalize you for using the Common App.</p>
<p>Absolutely not. Most schools now prefer the common app plus any required additions.</p>
<p>I did read this in one of the standard books on admissions--maybe A Is for Admission? </p>
<p>The author said that it is one thing to use the common ap for a prestige school if you are coming from a disadvantaged background. Maybe you're the only one applying from your inner-city HS or you're the first in your family to attend college or whatever. That's fine, because the idea is that you are already clawing your way up. BUT if you're coming from a well-known prep school or a top HS or your parents are well educated professionals (for example), the author said that using the common ap implies that you're not doing your homework and you're just sliding by in the easiest way possible. </p>
<p>The book was a few years old, so maybe things are different now. But that's what I remember.</p>
<p>I come from a fairly wealthy, educated family and used the Common App. I got into Princeton. Go figure.</p>
<p>I say use the application that you believe presents you the best. Make sure you're interest shines through you essays and such.</p>
<p>Best of luck to you!</p>
<p>i agree with glinda and others...and btw wackymother...the author seem's to be saying stuff just to fill the pages in his book.</p>
<p>Most of those who use the common app do not look askance at you for doing so. What has happened is that they have learned to not just accept the common app but appreciate it because it gives them an easy download of a lot of info for their computer files and then, typically, many of your colleges then have a supplemental application that provides the more particular and individual info the college wants.</p>
<p>D got into HYP, Dart, Columbia, and Brown on the common app.</p>
<p>First off, the book that you probably read that point is now 7-8 years old -- still full of good information -- but becoming dated. Second, it depends. There are a handful of top tier schools that give credence to demonstrated interest, and a good way to better show your interest is by using their app. For example, Emory accepts the CA, and also their own app. If you dig thru the description of their app, you'll find that the 'average' response to thier own app essay prompt is 1-2 pages....hmmm, a 500 word essay on the CA, or a two+ page essay....what do you think will better show your passion for thier school? Yes, they accept the CA in full, and I beleive that they do. So, if your 500 word CA essay is killer, you'll likely fare well in the process, otherwise, a 2 page essay may better present you.</p>
<p>not only is the book you read dated, but the author worked on the adcom for Dartmouth, which now ONLY accepts the common app + their own supplemental app.</p>
<p>I also agree that using the Common App doesn't hurt you. Very often, the vast majority of material/questions on the school specific applications is almost exactly the same as what they ask on the Common App. Colleges know you're considering other schools whether you use their application or not. </p>
<p>It's better to have one really well-prepared, well-thought out Common App than to spread your energy over several separate applications. The college process is stressful enough.</p>