The Student Guide to the Coalition Application (2024)

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.

student with laptop on grass

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.

students in classroom

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.

How to Get Started

Ready to start your Coalition Application journey? Here’s a step-by-step guide:

talking about exams

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Enter Academic Information: Report your coursework, grades, and test scores. If applying to test-optional schools, focus on showcasing your strengths in other areas.
  4. Detail Your Activities: List your extracurricular activities, work experience, and other significant commitments. Be specific about your roles and achievements.
  5. Write Your Essays: Choose from the provided essay prompts and start drafting. Use the Collaboration Space to get feedback from trusted advisors.
  6. Review and Submit: Before submitting, thoroughly review each section for accuracy and completeness, double-checking for errors or omissions.

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!