The Coalition App: The Benefits of Applying to College Through the All-In-One Platform
Comprehensive college application platforms like the Coalition App are enhancing the college application process, making it more practical and efficient for students to find the college or university that is the right fit for them—both academically and economically.
What is the Coalition App?
Formerly known as the Coalition for Access, Affordability, and Success (CAAS), the Coalition for College App is a US college application platform. Organized and run by an American nonprofit organization, the Coalition App functions as an all-in-one, streamlined college application system that connects marginalized and underprivileged college-bound students “to a successful, affordable, and transformative college experience.” The main goal of the Coalition App is to provide a platform that introduces underrepresented students to over 150 top-tier colleges and universities “to help [students] learn about, prepare for, and apply to college.” Free of charge, students can use the Coalition App platform to find their choice schools, fill out and submit applications, and track the status of those applications all in one, convenient location.
Coalition App + Slate by Technolutions + Scoir Partnership
At the start of July 2022, the Coalition App partnered with Slate by Technolutions and Scoir in order to make the college application process even more simplified and efficient.
The role of Slate by Technolutions is to act as the chief support system of the admissions side of the Coalition App, allowing the Coalition member institutions to effectively oversee admissions and enrollment.
Scoir, on the other hand, provides the Coalition App with its “student-centric software” system, which works to improve the overall admissions process for students, parents, high schools, and colleges.
Together, this team is committed to providing underprivileged students with a convenient platform on which to successfully find the right college for them and their educational futures.
Coalition App vs. Common App vs. Common Black College App
Similar to the Coalition App, there are other comprehensive college application platforms such as the Common App and the Common Black College App, both of which also offer all-in-one, efficient college application systems created with the purpose of simplifying the college application process for students and schools. So, what are the differences?
In two of our previous posts, we provided details about what students can expect when using the Common App and the Common Black College App. There are many similarities between the Coalition App, the Common App, and the Common Black College App, so it is beneficial to zoom in on two of the key differences between the three platforms.
Platform Lifespan
Let’s talk about age and familiarity. The Common App has been around for about 47 years, and the Common Black College App for approximately 22 years. Compared to the Coalition App’s 7 years, the Common App and the Common Black College App are undoubtedly more familiar to most high schools and counselors—something to keep in mind if students are relying on help from school personnel in navigating their college application process. That said, all three of these application platforms are extremely straightforward, which makes creating an account and submitting applications through them simple enough.
Participating Schools
At this time, the Common App has over 900 participating colleges and universities—a significant increase in schools compared to the Coalition App’s (just over) 150, and the Common Black College App’s 68 member institutions.
However, it’s important for students to keep their focus on the quality of the schools that they would gain access to rather than the quantity of participating schools.
Sure, the Common App may seem like the best opportunity for students to get their profiles in front of as many schools as possible, but students need to remember that the Coalition App focuses more on connecting underprivileged students with affordable, successful schools while the Common Black College App’s attention is on getting prospective students in front of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)—both of which could make significant differences in the lives of prospective students.
Ultimately, there is no bigger difference between these three platforms than the participating colleges and universities. When it comes down to it, if a student is interested in a particular school and that school is a member institution, then that is the platform for them.
Alternatively, if a student does not have a specific school in mind, then they should consider if they're interested in finding a successful school that offers affordability and/or a socially and culturally inclusive environment for underrepresented students. If so, then the Coalition App and/or the Common Black College App are most likely a better fit.
How to Apply Using the Coalition App
Applying to participating schools through the Coalition App is quick and easy. Students first need to complete the following steps to create a Scoir account:
Go to the Coalition App website.
Click on the ‘Create a Scoir Account’ button (in the upper right-hand corner of the screen).
Under ‘First year Student,’ fill in their email address and ‘Sign Up.’
They’ll need to check their email inbox to verify their email address.
From there, they’ll start to build their profile by filling in the necessary information and following the prompts.
Once they’ve successfully created an account, they’ll have access to the Coalition Locker (this is the location where they can store digital copies of accolades) and the Coalition Application Service. They also can store and update any and all personal information in their profile.
Note: for younger clients interested in the Coalition App, students are able to create an account as early as 9th grade—they can even store information in their Coalition Lockers—but, they may not submit college applications until the fall of 12th grade.
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