The Struggles of Common App versus Applying on the the Schools Websites

The+Struggles+of+Common+App+versus+Applying+on+the+the+Schools+Websites

Rasul Rahman, Writer

This year many seniors are applying to colleges, but the struggles and stress that come with applying each year never cease to exist. Dashaun Edwards, 19’, states that “ I’m applying to a few schools here and there, but god isn’t taxing!” No doubt it’s taxing. The Common app asks college applicants to fill out basic information about themselves and write a personal statement as well. College applicants have 7 prompts to choose from for the statement. They must find a way to thoroughly address the prompt and at the same time have a unique/crafty approach towards the subject as well. Responding to personal statements seems relatively easy, especially if all you have to do is talk about yourself in the first person, but in addition to personal statements,  you have to write separate essays/mini-essays for the specific colleges you are applying to and depending on how many colleges that the student is applying to, the number of essays can add up. I asked a senior about these essays and Quinyon Norman said, “ Bro, these essays are going to be the death of me. But I only got 7 to do so I think I’m good.”

There are, however, some discrepancies when it comes to the necessity of these essays. Based off of student ’s testing scores, grades, GPA, and your recognition, a college, depending on which, can inform an opportunity to apply off their website than the common app. On the school’s website is another way in which you can apply, especially if the school doesn’t use the common app, in which a fee can be waived and essays are optional. They would only need basic information, transcripts and test scores, but again the option depends on the college if they allow such a thing. Ben Warner, 19’said that, “ Loyola University- Chicago made me priority applicant where I can now apply with ease! No fee and no essay, yes! Now I can focus on other applications.”

Overall the college process is hard. It can be tedious and finding the motivation to write some of these essays can be tough but I believe the class of 2019 won’t go down without a fight and will get into the best colleges they can and would love to attend.