<p>Hi,</p>
<p>My son is applying RD to Duke University. Their website states that they accept either the commonapp or their own app with no preference for either one. Is this really true, or is one better off using the college-specific app when that option is offered? Thanks a bunch! ~berurah</p>
<p>it's really true. There is suppose to be no difference between using the common and the school app. IF you use the common App just make sure that he fills out and mails in all of the supplemental forms.</p>
<p>Fill out whichever application gives the adcoms a better look into who you are. The common app is pretty generic, but if you can make it work for you through the essays, supplements and short answers, then by all means use it. Your teachers and counselor will appreciate you.</p>
<p>Most of the specific apps my daughter looked at were identical to the combination of the common app plus school supplement -- just formatted differently.</p>
<p>No reason at all not to use the Common App.</p>
<p>my best friends mom happens to be an alumni interviewer from duke and she hinted at that using the college-specific app shows that you gave "a little extra time to separate duke from those other generic colleges" im sure it plays no difference but it mite make a little nice impression =p</p>
<p>the trinity rep told me to use the trinity app.</p>
<p>i personally prefer college specific apps i.e. princeton, columbia</p>
<p>with no significance placed on the app. used. Colleges that participate in the Common App sign an agreement with the company that they will not favor the college-specific form over the Common App. form.</p>
<p>Columbia is not a praticipating school in the Common App proces. That is why you must use their application</p>
<p>Berurah,</p>
<p>From Duke's website:</p>
<p>"All students using the Common Application must file Duke's supplement for the application to be complete. A copy of the supplement is included with the Duke application or can be downloaded from this website. Duke University gives equal consideration to students using the Common Application."</p>
<p>Last year my son used the Common application (and supplements as required) for all schools that accepted it. I don't think it matters. The information is the same.</p>
<p>My S is using the Common App wherever he can, not to save himself work, but to save his teachers having to produce different recs.</p>