College Application Download

Tuesday afternoon I was sitting in the stately, wood-paneled admissions office meeting room at an upstate New York liberal arts college waiting for the information session to begin when a Facebook message from an old friend pinged onto my smartphone. I was 27 hours and two campus tours into a three day, five state, 982-mile college tour with our son, Henry (a rising high school senior) and the message from my friend – we’ll call him John because, well, that’s his name – was an unexpected and welcome distraction while the other prospective students and families filed into the room.

As it turns out, John, who is also the parent of a high school senior immersed in the college search process, was writing to ask about the relative merits of using the Common Application versus an individual college’s application if they accept both. It’s a great question.

The short answer is that it doesn’t matter which application form you use. Colleges work hard to attract the broadest and deepest pool of applicants possible. Yes, more applications and a lower percentage of admitted students increases colleges’ selectivity ratings and can help them move up in high profile rankings guides like US News and World Report. But first and foremost, a large pool of talented applicants helps colleges admit the most qualified students and construct the strongest class they can. And that translates into a better experience for the students.

So, colleges that accept more than one application form (a number of schools have also begun to accept the new Coalition for Access, Affordability, and Success Application) do so because they want to make it easier for students to apply. And, there really is no advantage to using one application form over another.

That said, while the application form you use doesn’t matter, making sure you present yourself in the best possible light and provide all the pertinent information each college wants from you, does. A lot. The particulars of what individual colleges require as part of the application vary greatly. For example:

• Some colleges have their own application which all applicants must use (though the colleges in this category are a dying, and most likely soon to be extinct, breed).
• Some colleges have their own application but also accept the Common Application or the new Coalition Application.
• Some use only the Common Application or the new Coalition Application.
• Some do not require any essays.
• Some (most) require an essay as part of their own application, or written from one of the prompts included in the Common or Coalition Application.
• Some also require (or have an option for you to submit) a supplemental essay – often focused on your interest in that particular college.

So, you may need to prepare several different component pieces and submit them in a variety of combinations depending on what is required by the specific colleges to which you ultimately decide to apply. Accordingly, it is crucial that you review the application requirements for each college on your list and be certain that you are submitting everything they need from you.

Always look for opportunities to demonstrate your knowledge of and interest in the individual colleges where you are applying. Admissions officers want to know that you have made the effort to learn about the college and that you genuinely want to attend. That doesn’t mean you should be disingenuous and claim that every college on your list is your top choice dream school and you would sell your soul to get in. It does mean, though, that if including a statement of your interest in the college is optional, you should opt to do it. Doing so says you’re paying attention, you care, and you are truly interested in the institution. Not doing so – even if it’s not true – says you really haven’t given the place much thought, you’ve already completed the Common or Coalition Application, and why not apply to one more place just to be safe.

My advice is for you to spend a lot of time reviewing websites and informational materials from the colleges in which you’re interested. Make note of particular courses or programs (a unique study abroad offering or independent research opportunity) and any co-curricular activities (e.g. the Quidditch team or gourmet cooking club) that resonate with you and cite them specifically in your application whenever possible. Use the application to paint a picture for the admissions office that shows how and why you will be an active and engaged member of their college community. Remember, this is a competitive process and the more ways you can demonstrate that you are well suited to each college on your list the better off you will be.

So, don’t spend too much time worrying about whether to use the college’s application, the Common Application, or the Coalition Application. Use the one that enables you to present yourself in the truest and best way you can. Identify and include details about specific programs and your interest in each of the colleges on your list. And make sure you know the application components they require.

That’s all for now. Next time I’ll tell you more about Henry’s and my recent college visits including great tour guiding moments, info session faux pas, and the disquieting proliferation of Dunkin’ Donuts franchises throughout the northeast – including in regions that to this day remain inhabited almost exclusively by four-legged and winged creatures that live in trees.

Author: jterhune

Jim Terhune is an educator with over 30 years of experience as a senior administrator and dean at top colleges. Jim is founder and principal at James Terhune Consulting, LLC (JTC) - an educational consulting firm that provides counsel, strategic management assistance, and practical advice to colleges, schools, and students aimed at enhancing and enriching the student experience. Before launching JTC, Jim spent 11 years at Colby College as vice president for strategic initiatives (2016-2017) and vice president for student affairs and dean of students (2006–2016). Prior to Colby, he worked for 15 years at Colgate University in a number of leadership roles including director of student activities, dean of first-year students, associate dean of the college, and dean of student affairs. Jim began his career in higher education at Middlebury College in student activities and the dean of students office. He has an A.B. in English from Middlebury College and an Ed.M. in Administration, Planning, and Social Policy from Harvard University. View all posts by jterhune