The Virtue Signaling of The Common Application

When you’re feeling blue about the state of our country and the heinous acts of sedition committed at the United States Capitol this week by a group of domestic terrorists, it seems natural to want to reach out to someone to express your thoughts, right? Well, enter The Common Application, an organization that sent out an email to students with the subject, “Our thoughts on recent national events.” Because we were of course waiting for Common App. to weigh in, right? Oy vey is right! So what exactly did the email say? Wonder no more!

“Dear Student,

We witnessed a deeply disturbing attack on democracy on Wednesday, when violent white supremacist insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to undo a fair and legal election. The stark differences between how peaceful Black and brown protesters have been treated for years relative to Wednesday’s coup again call attention to the open wound of systemic racism, and highlight the work we still have to do to create a more just and equitable global society.

As students like you work diligently toward pursuing higher education, I urge you in moments like this to continue that pursuit. An educated, just, and more equitable society has never been more critical, and a college education is still the best investment you can make for your future. Our community needs bright minds like you to help us all achieve a better world. 

The Common App team and I are here to support and encourage you. Please remember that we are here, if you need us, 24/7/365 to help you navigate your college application process.

I look forward to celebrating you and your success, and wish you all the best in 2021. 

Sincerely,

Jenny Rickard
President & CEO”

Let’s get this straight. Common App.’s 24/7/365 help line, which wasn’t all that responsive just a few days ago when students struggled to submit their applications at the deadlines because of Common App. glitches with time zones (Common App.’s platform read that the applications were past due when in fact they were not) is supposed to help students at this most difficult time? Oh please. Common App., focus more on creating less stress for students by fixing the glitches with your platform. And focus less on virtue signaling because you’re not very good at it! Of course the events that unfolded at the United States Capitol, at our own citadel, were heinous and a scar on our nation’s story. But did Common App. really need to send an email telling students they’re here for them with their help line? Give us a break.