Who Owns the Common App? The Inside Scoop on the College Application Giant
Ah, the Common App. That ubiquitous online form that makes applying to college feel like navigating a bureaucratic maze. The application that makes you question your life choices, your future, and whether you’ve actually mastered the art of writing a personal essay.
But have you ever stopped to wonder who’s actually behind this behemoth? Who controls the destiny of countless college hopefuls? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to delve into the world of the Common App and uncover the truth about its ownership.
The Common App: A Not-for-Profit Powerhouse
Contrary to what you might think, the Common App isn’t some mega-corporation out to make a quick buck off your college dreams. It’s actually a not-for-profit organization, The Common Application, Inc., with the noble goal of making the college application process a little less stressful (okay, maybe a little less stressful).
Who’s Calling the Shots?
The Common App is run by a team of dedicated professionals, all under the watchful eye of a 18-member volunteer Board of Directors. These board members are pulled from the ranks of college admission deans and secondary school college counselors – the folks who know the ins and outs of the college application process better than anyone.
Think of them as the college application guardians, ensuring the Common App stays true to its mission of providing a fair and accessible platform for students.
The Common App’s Humble Beginnings
Now, let’s rewind the clock to the good ol’ days of 1975. Back then, applying to college was a paper-heavy, time-consuming ordeal. Imagine filling out separate applications for each college, with unique forms and instructions.
It was a logistical nightmare. A group of forward-thinking private schools, including Carleton and Goucher, decided they’d had enough of this application madness. They joined forces to create a standardized application that could be sent to multiple colleges, saving students and colleges time and effort.
The Common App: A Collaborative Effort
The Common App is a collaborative effort, with over 1,000 participating colleges and universities across the U.S. It’s a testament to the power of collective action, proving that even the most daunting tasks can be tackled when we work together.
Harvard: A Common App Renegade?
Now, here’s a twist. While the Common App is widely used, some prestigious institutions like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton have opted for their own application forms.
This might lead you to believe that these Ivy League giants are too high and mighty for the “common” crowd. But in reality, they’re just playing by their own rules. They are still committed to fair and accessible admissions, just with their own unique application processes.
The Common App: A Game Changer
The Common App revolutionized the college application process. It’s streamlined the application process for millions of students, making it easier and more efficient to apply to multiple colleges.
But let’s be honest, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The Common App has had its fair share of criticism, with some folks grumbling about its complexity and the occasional technical glitches. But it’s a work in progress, and the Common App team is constantly striving to improve the platform.
The Common App: A Force for Accessibility
One of the Common App’s most significant contributions is its commitment to accessibility. It provides fee waivers for students who cannot afford the application fee, making the college application process more inclusive and equitable.
The Common App: A Platform for Change
The Common App is a powerful platform for positive change. It’s continuously evolving to meet the needs of students and colleges. New features are being added, and existing ones are being refined to ensure the application process is as efficient and user-friendly as possible.
The Common App: A Force for Good
The Common App is a force for good in the world of higher education. It’s helping students reach their full potential by simplifying the college application process and making it more accessible to all.
The Common App: A Journey of Collaboration
The Common App is a testament to the power of collaboration. It’s a joint effort by colleges, universities, students, and countless other stakeholders who are all committed to making the college application process more accessible and efficient.
The Common App: The Future is Bright
The Common App is constantly evolving, adapting to the changing landscape of higher education. It’s pushing the boundaries of innovation, finding new ways to make the application process more user-friendly and accessible for all.
Looking Ahead
As we look ahead, the Common App is poised to play an even greater role in shaping the future of higher education. It is committed to providing students with the tools and resources they need to navigate the college application process successfully.
Need More Help?
If you’re still scratching your head about the Common App or have any burning questions about the college application process, don’t hesitate to reach out! The JobLoving community is here to help you navigate the complex world of college admissions. We’ve got your back, and we’re always happy to share our expertise and answer your questions.
So, there you have it, the inside scoop on the Common App! It’s a not-for-profit organization with a mission to simplify the college application process, making it more accessible and equitable for all. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and a force for good in the world of higher education.
Now, go forth and conquer the Common App!