Which College Application Platform? Common, Coalition, Black, or Universal?
Applying to college is already a big task—selecting the right schools, gathering materials, and meeting deadlines can feel overwhelming. So, deciding which application platform to use might seem like just another decision on your plate. But making the right choice can simplify your journey and even give you a slight edge, depending on your circumstances.
Here’s a breakdown of the main application platforms available:
Common Application (Common App)
The Common App is the most widely used platform, connecting applicants to over 1,100 colleges and universities worldwide.
Pros:
- Free to Use: The platform itself is free, but individual colleges may charge application fees.
- Deadline Reminders: Provides alerts to help you meet essential dates.
- Requirements Tracker: Helps monitor each school's specific requirements.
- Self-Reporting: Allows you to report test scores directly.
- Mobile App: Offers on-the-go access with task lists and notifications.
- Virtual Counselor: Available for additional help and support.
- Spanish Language Support: Services are available in Spanish.
- Established Platform: Operating since 1975, offering extensive experience.
Cons:
- You'll need demonstrated Interest: Because applying to multiple schools is so easy, some colleges may want demonstrated interest, such as campus visits or communications.
- Tricky for undocumented students: There could be more steps for undocumented students.
Coalition for College (Coalition App)
The Coalition App partners with over 170 colleges and universities, focusing on access, affordability, and student success.
Pros:
- Selective Membership: Member schools meet criteria ensuring support for underrepresented students.
- Free to Use: The platform itself is free.
- MyLocker Feature: Offers secure storage for documents and projects from an early stage.
- Collaboration Space: Enables interaction with mentors for application feedback.
- Multimedia Submissions: Accepts various file types as part of your application.
- MyCoalition Counselor: Provides resources on financial aid and application processes.
- Mobile-Friendly: Accessible via mobile devices.
Cons:
- Smaller Membership: Fewer member schools compared to the Common App.
- No Dedicated Mobile App: Lacks a specific mobile application.
- Newer Platform: Established in 2016, it may be less familiar to some educators.
Black Common Application (Black App)
The Black App streamlines applications to over 60 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with a single application.
Pros:
- Single Application: Apply to multiple HBCUs simultaneously.
- Cost-Effective: One flat fee covers multiple applications.
- Focused Access: Enhances opportunities to culturally enriching institutions.
Cons:
- Limited to HBCUs: Not applicable for non-HBCU applications.
- Growing Recognition: Still building awareness compared to established platforms.
Universal College Application (UCA)
The UCA is a smaller platform, currently serving 18 institutions.
Pros:
- User-Friendly Interface: Known for its speed and intuitiveness.
- Free to Use: The platform itself is free.
- Unique Members: Includes colleges not found on other platforms.
- Post-Submission Edits: Allows essay edits after submission.
- Auto-Save Feature: Prevents loss of information.
Cons:
- Limited Membership: Fewer colleges available.
- Less Familiarity: Counselors may be less acquainted with the process.
Application Comparison Chart
| Platform | Number of Schools | Cost | Mobile Access | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common App | 1,100+ | Free | Yes | Virtual counselor, extensive experience |
| Coalition App | 170+ | Free | Yes | MyLocker, Collaboration Space |
| UCA | 18 | Free | No | Post-submission essay edits |
| Black App | 60+ HBCUs | Fee | No | Single application for multiple HBCUs |
Which college application platform should you choose?
The answer to this depends on your college list and personal preferences, but here's a simplistic answer.
- Common App: Ideal for a broad range of schools and centralized management.
- Coalition App: Suited for those seeking support and resources.
- Black App: Perfect for HBCU applicants.
- UCA: Best if applying to its specific member schools.
Ready to apply for college? Let’s make it affordable
Choosing the right application platform is an important step in applying to college. But once you send in your applications, it’s time to think about how to pay for college. Scholarships can make a big difference, making college far more affordable.
Find scholarships that match your goals and interests by clicking the button below!
