<p>Hello, since 5 schools on my D's target list of MT programs accept the Common Application (Ithaca, Syracuse, B-W, Miami and NYU) she hopes to save a little time by using it. Does anybody have any experience with it? Is there any reason NOT to use it, particularly for someone pursuing MT BFA/BM, but also in general? We're aware most of the schools have their own supplements that must be submitted with the Common App. </p>
<p>Thanks in advance for any insights, and hope everybody is getting summer kicked off right!</p>
<p>It was explained to us at our school's college day by one of the college's admission directors who attended that schools that use the Common App have made a commitment that they will hold the common app in the same regard as the regular application. But the people at college day still advised students to double check that there is no real substantive difference between the 2 and of course to make sure to file any supplemental forms.</p>
<p>mwparent, I just wanted to let you know, if you don't already, that although NYU accepts the Common App, they do have a supplement which is required to go along with it. If this supplement is not submitted, they will not review the application. I know that there are kids every year that don't read the instructions carefully and are in trouble when they find out, after the deadline, that they've made a big mistake. Make sure your D investigates what is needed for NYU, and possibly, any other schools on her list. :)</p>
<p>I used the Common App and there was no problem. Just make sure to do all the supplements as well (and don't forget to schedule your audition!). :-)</p>
<p>As NYTheaterMom indicated, colleges state that they hold the common application with the same regard as their own school's application and that it does not matter which is submitted. I believe this is true in a factual sense. Kids I know were admitted who had used the common app, as were students who used the schools' own apps. </p>
<p>Like with everything, we all have our preferences, however. I have a preference of using a college's own application. I guess you could say that it is more work, true. Though, if you notice, many schools who take the common application, still have an individual specific supplement when combined with the common part is almost like doing individual apps anyway. But my feeling is that each school has developed its own application with questions it values and essays they want to pose, etc. It seems to me worth the extra work to put all you can into an application, rather than one size fits all or going the easier route. I think putting the effort into catering your application to each school's questions shows a sense of effort or interest in that particular school. Sometimes, an application asks the "why X college" question which should be answered quite specifically per school. In fact, for anyone who is using a common app, I think they should at least include a statement somewhere of why they want to attend that school. Interest in a school is one added element that might be considered. Putting time and energy into catering the application package to that school is worth it, in my opinion. It shows that extra effort and interest. It doesn't necessarily mean if you apply to 8 schools, there is 8 times the amount of work. Some things, like little charts/lists can be used over again. Some essays might be able to be used again or tweaked depending on the question or essay length required. </p>
<p>My own kids each applied to 8 schools. They wrote many different essays. A couple schools' own apps happened to be the common app plus supplement so I am familiar with the common application but overall they did each school's application. I am sure their chances of being admitted were just as good as if they had used the common application but I just know if I were reading a pile of applications, I'd like reading ones that answered the questions that my admissions department had valued in asking. I'd want to see an application tailored to interest in my college. That's just me. I know this makes no difference, likely, but it is still my preference to use schools' specific applications. </p>
<p>The factual answer remains that schools except either and say they view them equally. But my preference still remains anyway. </p>
<p>BW - I'd check with music conservatory before using common app. for them, as music conservatory told me that they are trying to combine the college app form and the music app form into one this year. In the past, they have been 2 separate forms. I do not believe this new combined form is ready yet for 2006 grad's.</p>
<p>I think a common app is a very logical tool to use, since there is basic info required by all universities. How do you find it, and how do you know what supplements are required for individual colleges?</p>
<p>MTParent, you can find everything about the Common Application at commonapp.org. The supplements required by individual schools can only be found on the admission web sites of those schools that accept the Common Application. </p>
<p>Actually, supplementals forms for apps if required can also be found on the common app web site (commonapp.org) after the name of the college if a supplemental is required it will say so; click on the blue "supplement" word to go to them and print them. Click link below. </p>
<p>Has the 2005-06 common app been posted yet? Last time I looked, it was t he old o ne, so people be aware of this if you start filling in things. I'm told it doesn't change much from year to year, but...</p>
<p>We used the common application for NYU and it was fine (along with the supplemental forms - ugh!) I believe, however, that NYU required us to MAIL it; most schools will accept the emailed application.
Things got so confusing that I set up an Excel spreadsheet with headings as follows:
Name of school, deadline, common applic. accepted y/n, supplemental forms required, application fee amt, applic. fee pd/not pd, audition appt. date, contact name/number, essays done/not done, teacher rec. sent, guidance rec. sent, and I don't know WHAT else. It was crazy! I updated it as we went along. If my d had done it, she would be looking for fall employment right now, since there is NO WAY she could have kept track herself. Then of course she did early decision so the other 8 applications were for nothing!
Hope this idea helps; it certainly helped us!</p>