Most colleges in the US accept the Common App and they also have their own applications
the Common App is really helpful for people who apply to a lot of schools but would it not look better if you used the school’s app??
would it show more interest in the school if you used their own app rather than the common app???
<p>Schools who use the Common App are required to show no bias. If you apply EA/ED to a school you are already showing significant interest, so the common app won't be a problem; in the case of RD, schools expect you to apply to multiple ones. Some people just find it more convenient to use.</p>
<p>Most colleges say that they won't make any distinction between the common app. and the school app., though * subconsciously * they might. To the "dream school" where you plan to apply EA/ED, I recommend that you use the school's own app. Common app. is not much more helpful because many schools that use it require their own supplements in addition to the commaon app, which means MORE ESSAYS! And no, MOST colleges don't accept the common app, only around 225 of the 4,000 colleges in the country accept it.</p>
<p>Other ways to show interest include visiting, going to open house events, having an interview, suscribing to the mailing list, etc.</p>
<p>Most of those who used the common app had problems. Many realised much later that there were several supplements they ought to have sent. Some also had problems sending online applications after jan 31. So i guess the best thing is to use the college's own application.</p>
<p>Besides I don't believe that stuff about colleges making no distinction between their own app and the common app. If you apply online, it makes more sense using the colleges' own app except they exclusively us the commonapplication.</p>
<p>I only used the common app for the college that required it. For the others that would accept it, I used the college's own app anyway. Most applications are pretty similar, so it's not that difficult and I think what Elbereth said about adcoms subconsciously differentiating makes sense.</p>
<p>My daughter used the common app for all 7 schools she applied to. She also filled out all of the supplemental information that each school asked for. In the end she was admitted to all 7 schools which she applied to.</p>