<p>im trying to decide whether to use the SUNY or common app. any thoughts?</p>
<p>Unless you're applying to other schools you KNOW are on the common app, stick with the SUNY app. and the appropriate supplements for any SUNYs that require it.</p>
<p>I believe the SUNY site has a link where it tells you which schools require that supplement.</p>
<p>Not all SUNY schools accept the Common APP. Geneseo and Albany (I think) are 2 that do. So, as above, it depends which you are applying to. It's really not that hard to have to use both, since doing it online makes it go quickly. You can usually even modify your essay enough to cover both bases!</p>
<p>To be honest, at this point in the game, I wouldn't worry about common app vs. suny app so much. Right now I would focus on where you want to apply/visit. That way this summer you can start the applications and submit them in the fall.</p>
<p>Make life simple for yourself. Use the SUNY online application for the SUNY's. It's convenient, fast, and this way you can keep track of your SUNY applications. Also, make sure that you download all of the additional forms that are required. Some SUNY campuses (many) have their own supplemental applications that you must complete in addition to the general online SUNY application.</p>
<p>Use the Common App. for your non-SUNY applications. Once again, don't forget to complete the supplemental application when required for individual campuses.</p>
<p>Good luck. Make sure you make copies of your completed apps for your records and record the date that each was mailed. Keep a folder for SUNY's and a folder for others. It's also a good idea to contact admissions via email before and after applying---shows interest. Before---ask a question or two. After--tell them your reasons for applying and inform them that you have sent the application.</p>
<p>Doesn't it depend on what schools you are applying to? If you are applying to all SUNY's, use the SUNY app. If you are applying to a variety of schools, use the common app.
If you use the common app, you don't have to keep all the records that NY smile mentions. The common app keeps the records for you. You don't have to check for supplements. The common app tells you which schools have supplements . AND, you don't have to make copies, You always have access to a copy of your application online. We made one copy to save and/or refer to for quick reference.<br>
MY son applied to 2 SUNY's. He used the Common app for Geneseo. He used the SUNY app for New Paltz. My son was admitted to Geneseo and will attend next year. He was waitlisted at New Paltz. I dodn't think the results had anything to do with the aplication. I think the results were due to New paltz being named "Hottest stated school" in Newsweek.</p>
<p>However,
The common app also requires more info from you as well as your college essay. So, it gives more info to the school. I don't remember at the moment, but I don't think the SUNY app had an essay. The supplement may have.</p>
<p>It's true that both the online common app. and the SUNY app. save your information. However, it's always best to have a HARD COPY printed for your own records. Face it, unless you're going to apply to only SUNY schools, you're going to have to complete the Common app. also. In addition, there are a few colleges that don't even accept the common app. (few and far between). </p>
<p>Applying to SUNY's using the SUNY application over the common app. has no bearing whatsoever on whether or not you will be accepted. Acceptance is based strictly on the content of the application, academic statistics, recommendations, transcripts, essays, etc. If a SUNY is going to accept you, it doesn't matter whether you submit the common app. or the suny app. We found the process to be more organized when submitting the online SUNY app. to SUNY's and common app. to all others. Trust me--I've been through this a couple of times and the results were very positive.</p>
<p>I found that it was easiest to use the SUNY app, not the common app. That way, I was able to keep my college applications a little more organized. Plus my HS guidance office gives out a few paper copies of the SUNY app to students if you beg for it, so I had already practiced on that.</p>
<p>If you're going to use the SUNY App, it's really best to do it online. Use the paper if you have to, but the online has a ton of benefits over paper:</p>
<ul>
<li>It's processed faster -- only a few days as opposed to weeks</li>
<li>It's secure -- no chance of it getting lost in the mail</li>
<li>No mistakes -- Nobody has to decipher your handwriting, so everything's spelled correctly</li>
<li>Major match -- We get a lot of students who apply for programs we don't offer (architecture, elementary education, dance), but the online app will only let you apply for programs that are available at a particular campus</li>
<li>Program match -- We also get a lot of students who check off things without knowing what they are... for example, EOP. The online app checks that before you submit it.</li>
<li>Online status checker -- You can see when it was received and processed. Not your decision, as that's up to individual campuses, but you can at least be assured that your application is in before any necessary deadlines.</li>
</ul>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>
<p>Chris</p>