The Common App: More Options, Same Old Headaches (and How to Fix Them)
The Common App, that glorious beast of a college application system, is getting a makeover for the 2023-2024 cycle. And by makeover, I mean they’re adding a whole new gender identity option. Because, you know, who needs to actually improve the application process when you can add a gender-neutral option?
The Common App is (finally) introducing an “X or another legal sex” option to the “Sex” choice group. This is a welcome change, and one that will hopefully help to make the application process more inclusive for all students. But, let’s be real, this is just the tip of the iceberg.
There are a whole lot of changes that could be made to the Common App, and I’m not just talking about adding a few more gender identity options. We’re talking about a complete overhaul, a revolution, a rebirth.
The Common App: A Love-Hate Relationship
We all know the Common App. It’s that online portal where you painstakingly input your every detail, from your GPA to your extracurricular activities to your deepest, darkest fears (okay, maybe not that last one). It’s a rite of passage for high school seniors, a system that feels like a bureaucratic maze, but one that holds the key to your future. It’s both a blessing and a curse.
You see, the Common App attempts to streamline the application process. It’s supposed to be a one-stop shop for applying to colleges. The problem, however, is that it’s a Frankenstein monster of a system, cobbled together from the different needs and requirements of hundreds of colleges. It’s no wonder that many students (and their parents) end up feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.
So, What Changes *Should* be Made to the Common App?
Forget about adding a few more gender identity options. That’s not going to solve the real problem. We need a fundamental shift in the way the Common App is designed and implemented.
We need to move away from the one-size-fits-all approach and embrace a more personalized system. This means allowing colleges to customize the application process to meet their specific needs. Let’s face it, not all colleges are created equal. Some colleges are more focused on academics, while others are more focused on extracurricular activities.
Here are some specific changes that could be made to the Common App to make it more user-friendly and efficient:
- Ditch the “One-Size-Fits-All” Approach: Let colleges customize their application process to meet their specific needs. Allow them to add their own essay prompts, create their own supplemental applications, and even decide which sections of the Common App they want to require from applicants.
- Make it Mobile-Friendly: Let’s be real, we live in a mobile world. The Common App needs to be optimized for mobile devices. Right now, it’s clunky and difficult to navigate on a smartphone. Imagine filling out the Common App on your phone while on the go! A mobile-first approach would be a game-changer.
- Embrace the Power of AI: AI can be used to personalize the application process, recommend colleges that are a good fit for applicants, and even help with writing essays. It’s about time the Common App catches up with the times.
- Reduce the Number of Required Documents: Why do we need to submit transcripts for every college we apply to? Why do we need to send test scores to every single school? This is just a waste of time and money. Let’s streamline the process and only require these documents from the colleges that actually need them.
- Make it Easier to Update Information: One of the biggest pain points of the Common App is the fact that it’s difficult to update information. If you make a mistake or need to change something, you have to contact the college’s admissions office directly. This is a huge hassle. The Common App should allow students to update their information online, without having to go through a bureaucratic nightmare.
- Increase Transparency: The Common App needs to be more transparent about how it uses data. What information is being collected? How is it being used? Who has access to it? Students and their parents deserve to know.
- Provide More Support: The Common App should provide more support for students and their families. There should be more resources available to help students navigate the application process, understand financial aid options, and find colleges that are a good fit for them. Maybe an online chatbot that doesn’t sound like a robot. Just a thought.
The Common App: A Work in Progress
The Common App is a complex and ever-evolving system. It’s important to remember that it’s a work in progress. While there are many changes that could be made to improve the Common App, it’s important to have a realistic perspective.
The Common App is a valuable resource for students and colleges, and it’s constantly being updated to meet the needs of its users. However, the changes that are being made are often incremental and don’t address the core problems with the system.
The Future of the Common App: A Call for Action
The Common App is a critical part of the college application process, but it’s not without its flaws. We need to demand better from the Common App. We need to push for real change, not just cosmetic updates.
If we want the Common App to truly serve the needs of students and colleges, we need to work together to make it better. We need to speak up and let the Common App know that we deserve a system that is user-friendly, efficient, and transparent.
Let’s make the Common App a system that we can all be proud of.
Need Further Help?
If you’re looking for more information about the Common App or need help with the application process, visit the JobLoving community. We have a team of experts who can help you navigate the complexities of college applications and provide you with the support you need to succeed.