There are almost 6,000 colleges and universities currently operating in the United States. Due to the sheer number of programs and institutions that exist, the process of applying to college can be overwhelming. Luckily, for students looking to embark on their next educational journey, the Coalition for College is able to assist with college admissions. This …
There are almost 6,000 colleges and universities currently operating in the United States. Due to the sheer number of programs and institutions that exist, the process of applying to college can be overwhelming.
Luckily, for students looking to embark on their next educational journey, the Coalition for College is able to assist with college admissions. This article will give details regarding the recent changes in the application. Coalition is now partnering with a platform labeled “Scoir,” another college resource website.
The reasoning behind the merging of these entities is to simplify the application process. Coalition’s partnership with Scoir allows students to apply to multiple schools with one set of materials. Prior to the collaboration, Coalition was known as the counterpart to the Common Application. Now, the Scoir x Coalition application facilitates the process of managing and submitting applications to participating programs.
Applicant-friendly interface: The website is designed to help students complete the application as seamlessly as possible. The platform contains straightforward instructions and prompts to guide students. Additionally, there are reminders for deadlines and for necessary sections.
The Scoir x Coalition application is dedicated to serving first-generation and underrepresented students. By offering free resources and support, the platform aims to be accessible to all. Several schools that partner with the Coalition are dedicated to being affordable and providing financial aid to qualified students.
Holistic approach: Although it may seem like colleges only care about stellar GPAs and ultra-high test scores, institutions are committed to evaluating the applicant as a whole. Colleges want to know about student accomplishments, hardships, and individual experiences. The Scoir x Coalition application has options for students to submit essays, personal statements, and other components in order to highlight the unique contributions they can bring to a school.
Scoir x Coalition | Common Application | |
|---|---|---|
Participating universities | Because of the novelty of this partnership, there are only about 141 participating universities in the Scoir x Coalition application. This platform emphasizes accessibility for students from all backgrounds, and contains other useful features such as a digital locker and a collaboration space. | This application is utilized by over 900 colleges in the United States. This platform is user-friendly and also contains a dashboard for organizing multiple applications. |
Requirements and components | With a dedicated focus on holistic admissions, the application encourages students to demonstrate their talents and share aspects of their upbringing. The “MyCoalition Counselor” provides guidance and an essay prompt structure. | This application employs standardized components, specifically: one personal essay, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores. There are school-specific questions and several essay prompts. |
Cost and fee waivers | For students from low-income backgrounds, fee waivers are widely available. A select number of schools on this platform will automatically omit application fees. | Eligibility for fee waivers is determined by questions within the application process. |
Features and tools | Unique features of this website include various essay prompts and document organization. | This application provides a comprehensive list of colleges and an option to communicate with colleges. |
User experience and accessibility | The application aims to provide a supportive process for students from all backgrounds. The website is designed to be intuitive for potential applicants. There are also resources available for students who are first-time users. | This platform contains resources and tutorials for students who need them. It is known to be user-friendly and easy to navigate across its many participating institutions. |
Popularity and usage | Despite being a fairly new partnership, the application is becoming more popular. For students seeking a college that is committed to access and diversity, this application is particularly enticing. | This application is the most popular choice for colleges in the United States. It’s also a great resource for students with the intent to apply to a large number of schools. |
There are 145 institutions accepting the Scoir x Coalition application. Here are some of the better known ones:
This list was last updated 11/12/24, and is subject to change. Follow this link for updates on schools using this application: https://www.scoir.com/connected-colleges
Getting Started with Coalition x Scoir
Start the process early: The Scoir x Coalition can be useful for students beginning their application process as early as ninth grade. An advantage to starting early is the gradual collection of documents, work samples, and accomplishments. Waiting until school deadlines can be stressful and can cause a potential applicant to forget materials or not provide enough necessary information. Similarly, by starting early, students can dictate their narrative and choose which experiences to emphasize in their application.
Stay authentic: Although the competition for certain institutions is fierce, it is important to be true to oneself and to submit authentic material. Colleges are aware that not every applicant may have experienced extreme hardship in some form. What matters most is being able to string accomplishments and experiences into a cohesive narrative. Because college admissions aim to be holistic, admission teams take essays and background information about an applicant very seriously.
Quality of activities: As a student, it may be tempting to stack on a variety of extracurriculars or internships to impress admissions teams. Most universities and colleges prefer to see growth and commitment within an activity. For example, this could look like joining an improv troupe freshman year and advancing into a leadership position in junior or senior year. In addition to showing passion and dedication, prolonged involvement in an activity can also act as a topic for various admissions essays.
Proofreading: In addition to meticulously scanning one’s own application materials, it can be wise to ask a trusted friend or family member to look over documents as well. Unfortunately, errors such as typos or improper grammar can detract from the strength of the overall application. Carefully checking over personal information and essays allows an applicant to present their best selves to colleges.
Sections in the Scoir x Coalition application may have very strict parameters regarding word count, formatting, and rules for content. Similarly, failing to properly respond to a prompt or not filling in a required component can negatively impact an application. Students should always double check instructions and reach out for clarity if a prompt or application question is unclear.
Essays help admission committees understand the student beyond test scores and GPAs. Therefore, it is vital to spend considerable time and effort into the essay portion. The essay is a chance for students to convey their values, passions, personality, experiences, and writing skills. Usually, the process of perfecting an essay includes brainstorming, drafting, revising, and accepting feedback from trusted sources. A well-written essay can be a powerful asset that helps students stand out from other applicants.
Failing to provide ample time to the Scoir x Coalition application can result in typos, errors, and omissions. As mentioned previously, it is advantageous to begin the application process early. Similarly, it’s important to allot enough time to give each section proper thought and review. Staying ahead of application deadlines can also be useful in the event of technical difficulties or to obtain additional information. Struggling to beat the clock on an application process can be stressful for students. On the other hand, beginning the application early allows for a student’s best efforts to shine through.
The Scoir x Coalition Application can be an invaluable resource for students. Remember to study hard, set goals, and have fun applying!
