Should Your Student Use the Common App or Apply Directly?

For most students, the Common Application (Common App) is the easiest, most efficient way to apply to college. With over 1,000 schools using it, students can fill out one application, write one main essay, and send it to multiple colleges with just a few clicks.

So, should your student always use the Common App? Most of the time, yes. But there are some situations where applying directly to a school may be the better move.

Here’s a breakdown of when Common App is best—and when Direct Apply could give your student an advantage.

Why Common App is the Best Choice for Most Students

✅ Saves Time – Instead of filling out multiple applications, students complete one application and send it to many schools.

✅ Streamlines Essays & Recommendations – The Common App stores letters of recommendation, transcripts, and the main essay so students don’t have to send them separately for each school.

✅ Easier to Track Everything – Students can see all deadlines, required materials, and submission status in one place.

✅ Fee Waivers Available – Students who qualify for financial need-based fee waivers can apply to multiple colleges for free through the Common App.

Pro Tip: Even if a school is on the Common App, always double-check supplemental essay requirements. Some schools require extra writing beyond the Common App’s personal statement.

When Applying Directly May Be a Better Option

While Common App is the most popular method, some students may benefit from applying directly to a college.

1️. Colleges That Offer Direct Apply Incentives

Some schools waive application fees, remove essay requirements, or even offer automatic scholarship consideration for students who apply through their own application instead of the Common App.

Examples of schools that may offer advantages for direct applicants:

• Some public universities (especially state flagships)

• Colleges with rolling admissions that offer priority review for direct applicants

• Schools that offer special application pathways (like priority deadlines with extra scholarship consideration)

Pro Tip: Always check a school’s admissions website or email their admissions office to see if applying directly offers perks.

2️. Schools Not on the Common App

While the Common App covers over 1,000 schools, some well-known colleges don’t use it. If your student is applying to these schools, they’ll have no choice but to apply directly.

Notable Schools That Require Direct Applications:

• MIT

• Georgetown University

• University of California (UC) System (including UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, etc.)

• Some state schools (like University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)

Pro Tip: If applying to a mix of Common App schools and non-Common App schools, start with the Common App first and then handle direct applications separately.

3️. Students Who Want More Control Over Their Application Submission

Some students prefer to apply directly to their top-choice schools so they can:

• Ensure no technical glitches delay their application.

• Have direct communication with the admissions office.

• Customize their application materials without the Common App’s formatting limitations.

This is rare, but for students who are highly strategic about their applications, it’s worth considering.

Final Verdict: Common App or Direct Apply?

Use the Common App if:

✅ Your student is applying to multiple Common App schools and wants to save time.

✅ They need recommendation letters, transcripts, and essays centralized in one place.

✅ They qualify for fee waivers and want to apply to multiple schools for free.

Apply directly if:

✅ The school isn’t on the Common App.

✅ The school offers incentives (fee waivers, scholarships, or priority consideration) for direct applicants.

✅ Your student prefers more control over the submission process.

For most students, Common App is the way to go. But in some cases, direct apply can save money, increase scholarship opportunities, or simplify the process.

Not sure which strategy works best for your student? That’s exactly what I help families figure out in my course.

Learn more here → www.futurefindersllc.com