Lesson 5: The Different Methods to Apply to College
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Workshop Scenario:
Please think of yourself in the following scenario as you complete this workshop.
You are a high school senior excited about applying to colleges. However, you quickly realize that the application process can be overwhelming with different colleges using different application platforms. You wonder if there is an easier way to apply to multiple schools.
You’ve reached out to 24/7 Teach to help you to understand which platforms, like the Common Black App and Coalition App, you need to save time and effort. You learn that these platforms allow you to apply to multiple schools with one application, saving you time and effort.
Your Objective:
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
Understand the different application methods for college admissions
Determine which application method(s) may be best suited to their individual needs
Navigate the various platforms and complete sample applications
Important Questions to Answer While Reading:
In order to be successful in this lesson, you must be able to answer these important questions.
What are the main differences between the Common App and the Coalition App and the Common Black Colleges App?
Which app would be the best choice for a student who is interested in applying to a wide range of colleges and universities?
Lesson 5:
Why should people use the Common App, Coalition App, or the Common Black App?
People should consider using the Common App, Coalition App, or Common Black College App for a few reasons:
Convenience: These applications allow students to apply to multiple colleges at once, saving time and effort in the application process.
Uniformity: The format and structure of the applications are standardized, making it easier for students to navigate and for colleges to review applications.
Access: The Common App and Coalition App are widely used by colleges and universities, including highly selective institutions. Using these applications may expand a student's options for where to apply. The Common Black College App is specifically designed for students interested in historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), providing a streamlined application process for these institutions.
Resources: These applications often provide help and support for students throughout the college application process, including essay, prompts, application checklists, and virtual events and webinars.
Overall, using one of these centralized applications can simplify and streamline the college application process, providing greater access and support for students.
What is the difference between each app?
The Common Application (Common App), the Coalition Application (Coalition App), and the Common Black College Application (CBCA) are all online platforms that students can use to apply to multiple colleges at once. However, there are some differences between them:
The Common Application (Common App) is used by over 900 colleges and universities in the United States and around the world. It allows students to apply to multiple colleges using a single application. The Common App includes a standard application form, essay prompts, and other required information such as transcripts and test scores.
The Coalition Application (Coalition App) is a newer application platform that currently has over 150 member colleges and universities. Like the Common App, the Coalition App allows students to apply to multiple colleges using a single application. However, the Coalition App places a greater emphasis on collaboration and support for students from underrepresented backgrounds. It also includes tools for students to track their progress throughout high school and resources for college planning and financial aid.
The Common Black College Application (CBCA) is specifically designed to help students apply to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). It is accepted by over 50 HBCUs and allows students to apply to multiple colleges using a single application. In addition to the standard application form, the CBCA also includes an essay prompt that is specific to HBCUs.
School-Specific Applications
School-specific applications, or institutional applications, are college applications unique to a particular school. Unlike the Common App or Coalition App, which are widely used application platforms that are accepted by multiple schools, school-specific applications are unique to the individual school and can only be used to apply to that school.
The process for submitting a school-specific application is similar to other applications in that you will need to provide information about your academic record, extracurricular activities, and personal background. However, the format and requirements of the application may vary from school to school, so it's important to carefully review the application instructions and requirements for each school you are interested in.
Typically, you will need to complete the application online and may need to submit additional materials, such as essays, letters of recommendation, or a portfolio of your work, depending on the requirements of the school. It's important to pay attention to the deadlines for submitting these materials, which may differ from the deadline for submitting the application.
Overall, while all three application platforms serve a similar purpose, they have some differences in terms of the colleges they are accepted by and the resources they provide to students. It is important for students to research each platform and determine which one is best for their needs.
Closing Assessment:
Now that you have reached the end of this lesson, you should know the following:
The different college application methods
How to determine the best college application method to meet your needs
Superstar Challenge:
Take your skills to the next level with the Superstar Challenge below!
You have learned about the differences between the Common App, Coalition App, the Common Black College App, and school-specific applications. Now it's time to put your knowledge to the test! Your superstar challenge is to research a list of colleges and determine which app(s) each college accepts.
Discussion Questions:
Show your knowledge and connect with the 24/7 Teach community by sharing/posting your discussion question responses in the comment section below.
How do you think the availability of different college application platforms affects the college admissions process? Do you think it creates more student opportunities or complicates a complicated process?
or try a prompt below!
