A number of higher education institutions in the United States and internationally maintain independent application systems, distinct from the Common Application. These institutions may prioritize a more personalized evaluation process or cater to specific applicant pools. For example, the University of California system employs its own application portal for all its campuses, as does the California State University system. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is also a well-known institution that uses its own application system.
Maintaining separate application platforms allows colleges and universities to customize the questions and information requested from prospective students, potentially aligning more closely with their institutional values and specific program requirements. Historically, some institutions chose not to adopt the Common Application due to concerns about standardization limiting their ability to assess applicants holistically or a desire to maintain greater control over their admissions process. Benefits can include the ability to design a more targeted and efficient review process, as well as the potential to attract students who are particularly interested in that institution, and willing to navigate an additional application.
