Hello. Can someone explain to me what is the difference between the different types of applications and what are the benefits of each? I know that there is a common application, and there is a SUNY application (I live in NY), but recently multiple colleges have emailed me offering their own waived application, including 2 colleges that I do like and consider. Are there any other types of applications? Should I apply to schools that offered me free application even if I don’t really like them? Those questions may seem typical but I moved to the US not that long ago so I don’t know the whole college application process, and that’s also why there are so many mistakes in this post. Thank you in advance.
I wouldn’t apply to a school just because they offer you a free app. However, if schools that you are interested offer you a free app if you use their online application, I don’t see why not.
The common application is convenient simply because so many schools use it so you don’t have to fill out the same data over and over again, but the choice is yours, and colleges weigh all applications they accept equally. One note to this is that some schools are common app exclusive (Barnard being one).
I think I can fill out the same data twice to save $140 and use the common application for the rest. Thank you!