Each year, I work with dozens of students trying to decide how to apply to college. And one question that always comes up—especially among first-gen students or those applying to selective schools—is: Should I use the Common App or the Coalition App? From the outside, they seem similar. Both platforms allow you to apply to multiple colleges with one central application. But there are some key differences that can affect your strategy, your timeline, and even your comfort level with the process.
In this post, I’ll break down the major differences between the Common App and the Coalition App. I’ll also share real examples from students I’ve worked with, and offer honest advice about which platform might be best for you—depending on your goals and circumstances.
Common App vs Coalition App: Key Differences Explained
Let’s start with what these platforms are. The Common Application (Common App) has been around since 1975 and is used by over 1,000 colleges. The Coalition for College Application (Coalition App) is newer—launched in 2016 by a group of colleges focused on access and affordability—and it includes around 150 member schools.
At a glance, they both let you apply to multiple colleges with one set of materials. But there are major differences in how they work, who uses them, and what tools they offer.
Number of Participating Colleges
This is one of the most noticeable differences. The Common App has far more participating schools—over 1,000 in the U.S. and abroad. The Coalition App has just under 150 member institutions, and they tend to be more selective and focused on access.
For example, if you’re applying to large public universities like the University of Michigan or the University of Virginia, you’ll find them on both platforms. But if you’re looking at smaller liberal arts schools or regional universities, chances are they’re only on the Common App.
I worked with a student named Leila last year who wanted to apply to 10 colleges—eight of them were only on the Common App. For her, using the Common App was the obvious choice. But I had another student, Jamal, who was focused on access-oriented schools like the University of Maryland and Rutgers. He liked the Coalition App’s design and its focus on affordability, so we went with that.
Platform Design and Tools
The Coalition App offers a unique tool called the Locker, which lets students store documents (like essays, videos, awards) starting in ninth grade. It’s meant to help students track achievements over time and build a stronger application.
That’s great in theory, but in practice, I’ve found few students use the Locker extensively. Especially for low-income or first-gen students who may not learn about the Coalition App until junior or senior year, it’s often too late to fully benefit from it.
In contrast, the Common App doesn’t have a locker—but it does have a more intuitive interface and a long-established support system. There are also more tutorials, school counselors are usually more familiar with it, and third-party platforms like College Board’s BigFuture offer guides tailored to the Common App process.
Essay Prompts and Supplements
Both platforms require a personal essay, but the prompts differ slightly. The Common App offers seven prompts to choose from, including the popular “background, identity, interest, or talent” question. The Coalition App usually offers fewer prompts (around five), and they tend to be shorter and more open-ended.
In my experience, the Common App essay allows for deeper storytelling. I had a student named Aditi who used her Common App essay to write about translating for her grandmother at medical appointments. It was powerful and personal—something that really resonated with admissions officers.
On the other hand, Coalition App essays are shorter and sometimes feel restrictive. That said, for students who prefer concise writing or are applying to schools that don’t require long supplements, the Coalition App can be a less overwhelming option.
Which Platform Is Better for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are a few guiding questions that can help.
What Colleges Are You Applying To?
This is the first and most important question. If the majority of your target schools use only one platform, that’s probably your answer right there.
You can compare college lists on each platform’s website. The Common App college search tool and the Coalition member school list are both updated regularly.
Also, be aware that some schools appear on both platforms but may prefer one over the other. For instance, the University of Florida only accepts the Coalition App, while many others accept both but list the Common App first on their admissions page.
Are You Applying for Financial Aid or Fee Waivers?
Both platforms offer fee waiver options, but the Coalition App was built with access in mind. All its member schools meet full demonstrated financial need or offer affordable tuition for low-income students. That’s a big deal.
If you’re a student applying for need-based aid, you’ll also want to explore resources like FAFSA, Chevening (for international students), and Fulbright for postgrad opportunities. But your application platform may affect how you submit financial documents later.
For more help navigating financial need forms, I recommend reading How to Apply for College Grants: A Step-by-Step Guide.
Do You Prefer a More Guided or Flexible Process?
The Coalition App’s dashboard is a little more structured. It tries to walk you through the process step-by-step. For students who like that kind of support—or who are applying with limited school resources—it can feel reassuring.
But some students find that structure rigid. The Common App’s flexibility lets you skip around, start essays early, and preview your full application before submitting. I’ve found that students who’ve done a lot of college prep (like summer programs or college access workshops) tend to prefer the Common App for this reason.
For students applying to test-optional schools, I also recommend checking out Test-Optional Colleges: What You Need to Know to see how your platform choice may impact score submissions.
FAQs About the Common App and Coalition App
Can I use both applications?
Yes, you can. Some students use the Common App for most of their schools and the Coalition App for a specific college that only accepts that platform. Just make sure to keep your materials organized and avoid duplicate submissions.
Do colleges prefer one application over the other?
Most colleges say they don’t have a preference. But in practice, some have better integration with one platform. If a college appears to highlight the Common App more heavily on their site, that’s a good indicator of where their systems are most streamlined.
Is one easier than the other?
It depends on your style. The Common App has more tools, but also more sections and optional components. The Coalition App is more concise but can feel limiting. I usually recommend the Common App unless there’s a strong reason to use Coalition.
Can international students use both platforms?
Yes, both are open to international applicants. In fact, the Common App has a large number of global member schools. For international students navigating U.S. admissions, I also recommend reading US College Admissions for International Students: Complete Guide.
Final Thoughts: Choose the Platform That Serves You Best
At the end of the day, the Common App and Coalition App are tools—not decisions in themselves. Your college list, your story, and your goals should drive your choice.
I often tell students: don’t overthink the platform. Focus on building a strong, authentic application. Whether that’s through the Common App or the Coalition App, what matters most is how clearly your voice comes through.
That said, I usually recommend the Common App for most students, simply because of its reach, flexibility, and ease of use. But I’ve seen students thrive with the Coalition App too—especially those applying to its founding