Dive Brief:

• College application systems are stuck in the past, argues the vice president of higher education at the applicant tracking software company DecisionDesk.
• James Werner contends that colleges most likely want to see an individualized application that represents the student, but that the structure and rote repetition on conventional applications hold them back.
• Werner argues for a system where students can show off their multimedia work and take part in virtual interviews despite distance.

Dive Insight:

The fact that Werner helps run a company that creates application software means he's hardly a disinterested party, but any suggestions for improving the application process seem germane given the recent problems with The Common Application. Would a system that allowed for more personalized applications benefit colleges and students? Maybe. But processing those unique applications could mean a lot more work for schools. And there's something to be said for a standard application as a leveling influence: No matter where you're from or who you are, you have to fill in the same form.