Navigating college admissions can be overwhelming, with its myriad applications, essays, and deadlines always looming. Whether aiming for a small liberal arts college or a prestigious top-25 university, the admissions journey through the ups and downs is often daunting for students of all calibers. Gathering the necessary materials, meeting critical deadlines, and prioritizing your mental health can additionally add to the challenge, making it feel like it never ends!
Fortunately, numerous resources, including the Coalition for College, are available to help stressed-out students manage and navigate the college admissions process. Ready to learn more about recent changes to the Coalition Application for 2024? While Coalition is newly partnering with the platform Scoir (pronounced “Score”) for a new look, much has remained the same. Discover tips and key dates to streamline your college application journey in this guide.
What happened to the Coalition App? What is the Scoir x Coalition Application?
The Coalition for College, now partnering with Scoir, streamlines the application process by allowing students to apply to multiple schools with one set of materials. In the past, this was simply known as the “Coalition Application,” known to many as the most significant counterpart to the Common Application. Now, it’s known as the Scoir x Coalition Application (or Scoir application). The platform’s purpose is to make it easier to manage and submit applications to participating schools. With resources like these, students can confidently navigate the complexities of college admissions and present a standout profile to admissions officers!
Today, we want to share a complete guide to the Coalition for College resources, including tips and tricks to make the most out of your admissions timeline.
Why Choose the Scoir x Coalition Application?
Why should you consider the Coalition Application? Here are some compelling reasons:
User-Friendly Interface:
The Scoir x Coalition Application’s user-friendly interface is designed to make the college application process as straightforward and stress-free as possible. With a clean layout and intuitive navigation, students can easily access and manage different sections of the application.
The platform’s design minimizes confusion and helps users focus on completing each application part without unnecessary distractions. Clear instructions and helpful prompts guide students through the process, ensuring they do not miss essential sections or deadlines.
Focus on Accessibility:
The Scoir x Coalition Application’s focus on accessibility is a core aspect of its mission, making it an ideal choice for first-generation and underrepresented students. The platform is designed to remove barriers to higher education by providing free resources and support to all students, regardless of their financial background. Additionally, many Coalition member schools are committed to affordability and offer generous financial aid packages to admitted students, helping to bridge the gap between higher education for students of all backgrounds and economic situations.
Holistic Approach:
The Scoir x Coalition Application emphasizes a holistic approach to college admissions, allowing students to showcase their unique experiences and strengths beyond traditional academic metrics like test scores and GPAs. This approach acknowledges that students are more than just numbers; it considers the whole person, including their personal stories, challenges, and accomplishments. Students can express their individuality, passions, and potential contributions to a college community through essays, personal statements, and other application components, making the Scoir x Coalition Application a wonderful alternative to traditional college applications.
Key Components of the Scoir x Coalition Application
So, what are the important components of the Scoir x Coalition Application? Let’s break them down:
The Application: This is the primary component, where you’ll complete your personal information, academic history, extracurricular activities, and essays.
Profile Section: This section includes basic personal and contact information and details about your family and high school.
Academic Information: Here, you’ll report your grades, courses, and standardized test scores. The Coalition App allows for flexibility in reporting, especially for test-optional schools.
Extracurricular Activities and Work Experience: This is your chance to highlight your involvement in clubs, sports, jobs, and volunteer work.
Essays and Personal Statements: The Coalition App provides multiple prompts for you to choose from, allowing you to showcase your unique voice and experiences.
The Scoir x Coalition Application vs. the Common Application
Application Platform and Access
Scoir x Coalition Application: Around 150 universities are currently on the Scoir platform, and it is designed to provide access and affordability for underrepresented students and includes tools like a digital locker to store essential documents and a collaboration space for feedback.
Common Application: Over 900 colleges use the Common Application, which offers a streamlined application process. It features a centralized dashboard for managing multiple applications and a user-friendly interface.
Application Requirements and Components
Scoir x Coalition Application: The Scoir x Coalition Application focuses on holistic admissions, allowing students to showcase diverse experiences. Additionally, it includes the “MyCoalition Counselor” tool for guidance and a unique essay prompt structure.
Common Application: The Common Application features standardized components, including a personal essay, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores. It offers many essay prompts and often integrates with school-specific questions.
Cost and Fee Waivers
Scoir x Coalition Application: The Scoir x Coalition Application often promotes affordability with fee waivers for students from low-income backgrounds, and some member schools automatically waive application fees for all applicants.
Common Application: The Common Application provides a straightforward process for fee waivers based on financial need, and the fee waiver eligibility is determined through qualifying questions during the application process.
Unique Features and Tools
Scoir x Coalition Application: The Scoir x Coalition Application offers students the ability to upload documents and remain organized. The platform also includes a unique set of essay prompts.
Common Application: The Common Application features a comprehensive college search tool and allows accessible communication with colleges.
User Experience and Accessibility
Scoir x Coalition Application: The Scoir x Coalition Application emphasizes accessibility and a supportive experience for students from diverse backgrounds. The platform is designed to be intuitive, with resources for first-time applicants.
Common Application: The Common Application is known for its user-friendly interface and extensive resources, including tutorials and guides. It offers a consistent experience across its many member institutions.
Popularity and Usage Trends
Scoir x Coalition Application: The Scoir x Coalition Application is gaining traction, especially among students seeking institutions committed to access and diversity. Its use is growing but remains less common than the Common Application.
Common Application: The Common Application is still the most widely used college application platform in the U.S., known for its convenience and comprehensive reach. It is the go-to choice for most students applying to multiple colleges.
List of Schools Using the Scoir x Coalition Application
As of July 29, 2024, 145 schools are currently accepting applications via the Scoir x Coalition platform.
- Allegheny College
- American University
- Amherst College
- Arcadia College
- Austin College
- Bard College
- Bates College
- Belmont University
- Beloit College
- Bentley University
- Berea College
- Birmingham-Southern College
- Bowdoin College
- Brandeis University
- Bucknell University
- Carleton College
- Case Western Reserve University
- Centenary College of Louisiana
- Chaminade University of Honolulu
- Chatham University
- Claremont McKenna College
- Clark University
- Clemson University
- Colby College
- Colgate University
- College of the Holy Cross
- Colorado College
- Columbia University (exclusive for transfer applicants)
- Davidson College
- Denison University
- DePauw University
- Drew University
- Drexel University
- Duke University
- Duquesne University
- Eastern Connecticut State University
- Elmhurst University
- Florida Southern College
- Franklin and Marshall College
- Furman University
- Hamilton College
- Hanover College
- Harvard University
- Haverford College
- High Point University
- Hobart and William Smith Colleges
- Hope College
- Illinois College
- Illinois Institute of Technology
- Johns Hopkins University
- Kenyon College
- Knox College
- Lawrence University
- Le Moyne College
- Lehigh University
- Loyola Marymount University
- Lycoming College
- Manhattanville University
- Maryland Institute College of Art
- Marywood University
- Mercyhurst University
- Miami University (Oxford)
- Michigan State University
- Middlebury College
- Mount Holyoke College
- Mount Marty
- NC State University
- Northeastern University
- Northwestern University
- Oberlin College
- Occidental College
- Oglethorpe University
- Ohio Northern University
- Ohio Wesleyan University
- Pace University
- Palm Beach Atlantic University
- Pomona College
- Portland State University
- Princeton University
- Quinnipiac University
- Reed College
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Rice University
- Robert Morris University
- Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
- Rowan University
- Saint Mary’s College of California
- Saint Michael’s College
- Skidmore
- Smith College
- Southern Methodist University
- St. Edward’s University
- St. John’s College
- St. Mary’s College of Maryland
- St. Mary’s University
- St. Norbert College
- St. Olaf College
- Stevens Institute of Technology
- Stockton University
- Stony Brook University
- SUNY at Binghamton
- Swarthmore College
- Syracuse University
- Texas Christian University
- The College of New Jersey
- The College of Wooster
- The University of Tampa
- Trinity University
- Tufts University
- Union CollegeUniversity at Arizona
- University of Buffalo
- University of Chicago
- University of Connecticut
- University of Delaware
- University of Illinois at Springfield
- University of La Verne
- University of Massachusetts (Lowell)
- University of New England
- University of Notre Dame
- University of Oklahoma
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Richmond
- University of Rochester
- University of San Francisco
- University of the Incarnate Word
- University of Vermont
- Ursinus College
- Vanderbilt University
- Vassar College
- Wake Forest University
- Washington and Jefferson College
- Washington and Lee University
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Wellesley College
- Wesleyan University
- Western Carolina University
- Westminster College
- Wheaton College
- Whitman College
- Willamette University
- Williams College
- Yale University
- York College of Pennsylvania
How to Get Started
Ready to start your Coalition Application journey? Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Create Your Account: Visit the Coalition for College website and create a Scoir account. Be sure to use a professional email address, as this will be your primary means of communication with colleges.
- Build Your Profile: Fill out the Profile section with your personal and family information. Accuracy is crucial here, as colleges will use this data for their records.
- Enter Academic Information: Report your coursework, grades, and test scores. If applying to test-optional schools, focus on showcasing your strengths in other areas.
- Detail Your Activities: List your extracurricular activities, work experience, and other significant commitments. Be specific about your roles and achievements.
- Write Your Essays: Choose from the provided essay prompts and start drafting. Use the Collaboration Space to get feedback from trusted advisors.
- Review and Submit: Before submitting, thoroughly review each section for accuracy and completeness, double-checking for errors or omissions.
Tips for a Strong Scoir x Coalition Application
Want to make your application stand out? Here are some tips:
Start Early:
One of the key advantages of the Scoir x Coalition Application is its tools and resources, which can be used as early as 9th grade. Starting early allows students to gradually collect and organize essential documents, awards, and work samples throughout high school. This proactive approach can significantly reduce last-minute stress and ensure all necessary materials are readily available when applying. By starting early, students can also reflect on their experiences and achievements, making it easier to identify the most compelling aspects of their story to highlight in their application.
Be Authentic:
Authenticity is crucial in creating a compelling application. The essays and personal statements are prime opportunities for students to share their unique stories, passions, and personal growth. Admissions committees are interested in understanding the natural person behind the application; they want to see genuine reflections on experiences and challenges rather than what students think colleges want to hear. Being honest and true to oneself can help students stand out and create a memorable impression. Authenticity helps convey a student’s true personality and values, essential factors in the holistic review process.
Focus on Quality, Not Quantity:
When listing extracurricular activities and work experiences, focusing on the depth and significance of a few meaningful activities is more impactful than providing a list of less significant engagements. Colleges appreciate sustained commitment and growth in areas critical to the student. Highlighting leadership roles, significant accomplishments, or long-term involvement can demonstrate dedication, passion, and the ability to make a meaningful impact. This approach helps paint a clearer picture of the student’s interests and strengths, making their application more cohesive and compelling.
Proofread Carefully:
Attention to detail is critical in presenting a professional and polished application. Typos, grammatical errors, and formatting issues can detract from the overall quality and distract admissions officers from the content. Students should review all parts of their application multiple times and consider asking someone else to proofread for them. Fresh eyes can catch mistakes that the applicant might overlook. Careful proofreading ensures the application is clear, accurate, and error-free, leaving a positive impression on the reviewers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Steer clear of these common pitfalls:
Ignoring Instructions:
Strictly following the application instructions is crucial. Each section may have specific word counts, formatting, and content guidelines. Missing a required field or misunderstanding a prompt can negatively affect the application’s completeness and coherence. Students should carefully read and adhere to all instructions to ensure their application is fully compliant and accurately represents their qualifications and intentions.
Underestimating the Essay:
The essay is a significant application component that provides insight into a student’s personality, values, and critical thinking skills. It should not be treated as an afterthought. Students should invest ample time and effort into crafting a thoughtful and engaging essay. This process includes brainstorming, drafting, revising, and seeking feedback. A well-written essay can be a powerful narrative that sets students apart from other applicants and provides a deeper understanding of who they are.
Waiting Until the Last Minute:
Procrastination can lead to rushed and incomplete applications, more prone to errors and omissions. Starting early allows students to pace themselves, ensuring that each part of the application is given the attention it deserves. This also provides time for unexpected issues, such as technical difficulties or the need for additional information. By starting the application process early, students can submit their best work and avoid the stress of last-minute submissions.
Final Thoughts
The Scoir x Coalition Application is a valuable tool for students applying to various colleges and universities. By leveraging its unique features, you can present a comprehensive and authentic picture of yourself to admissions committees.
Need support beginning your applications? Join the 98% of students who have worked with Empowerly and been accepted into Ivy League and top 25 schools. Using data-driven technology and one-on-one consultation with former college Admissions Officers, our customized programs help you and your college applications stand out during the fiercely competitive U.S. college admissions process. Schedule a consultation with our team today!
Madeleine Karydes