Common App vs Scoir | Clastify
Clastify logo

Exemplars

Review

Click here to explore thousands of successful college essay exemplars!

Common App vs Scoir

By Roxanne

November 8, 2024

Common App vs Scoir cover image

Are you currently working on your college applications? You may have heard of platforms like the Common App and Scoir, which both serve unique purposes. If you are wondering what the difference is between these two platforms, this post aims to outline some key differences between the Common App and Scoir so that you are fully informed before you begin applying to college!

 

 

Common App vs Scoir

 

 

Aspect

Common App

Scoir

Purpose

This is a centralized college application platform where students can submit applications for up to 20 institutes.

This is a college planning tool which can be used by students, counsellors, and parents. However, although it is mostly used as a planning tool, students can use Scoir to apply to colleges via the Coalition App.

Main functions

Main functions include submitting applications, providing essay prompts to which students write their main college essay, application status tracking and submitting recommendation letters and transcripts.

Main functions include researching colleges, planning applications, matching students to colleges based on their personal and academic interests, and exploring career and degree pathways.

Target users

High school students who are ready to apply to colleges and universities.

Students, school counsellors, and parents.

Registration

Users can register directly on the Common App website. For an account setup guide, see this post here.

Students can either create their own account, or they wil need to obtain login credentials from their school. Students who are part of a school subscription will have access to more features than those who create their own accounts.

Use by colleges

Colleges use the Common App to manage student applications to their institutes.

Students can use Scoir to apply to some colleges via the Coalition App. It is important to note that Scoir and the Coalition App are not the same. Students can apply to Coalition App schools using Scoir, but Scoir can also be used to plan applications to other schools that do not accept applications through the Coalition App.

College search options

Contains a college search feature with filters (location, size, majors, etc.) and allows students to bookmark schools.

Offers a more in-depth college search feature with more extensive filters. Students can make use of the "College Compare" feature which provides side-by-side charts to allow students to compare key features of various colleges.

Counsellor involvement

Limited involvement - can only submit recommendation letters.

High degree of involvement - counsellors can track how well a student is researching colleges, recommend colleges for students to apply to, and upload transcripts and recommendation letters.

Integration with other platforms

The Common App is a standalone platform. However, it accepts external transcripts sent from high schools.

Students can use Scoir to apply to colleges that accept applications via the Coalition App platform.

College visits

There is no option to schedule or plan college visits.

Schools can schedule college visits and students can view, register, and add these events directly to their calendar in Scoir.

Financial aid

Provides some FAFSA and scholarship links which students can explore to apply for financial aid.

Includes a scholarship search tool, career planning, and detailed financial aid information. Students can estimate college affordability based on trends in past student data.

Cost

It is free to use the platform, however individual schools may charge an application fee. Some students may be eligible for a fee waiver. Check out this post here for more information on how to apply for a fee waiver.

Scoir is a subscription-based platform and is usually free for students to use as the subscription fee is covered by the school board or individual school. However, if students apply to the Coalition App using Scoir, they may have to pay an application fee depending on the institutes they are applying to.

 

 

We hope that this post has provided you with some clarity regarding the key differences between the Common App and Scoir. Good luck with your college applications!

Clastify logo

Copyright © 2025 Clastify

All content on this website has been developed independently from and is not endorsed by the International Baccalaureate Organization. International Baccalaureate and IB are registered trademarks owned by the International Baccalaureate Organization.