Have you set up a common app practice account to look at it yet?
If not- you should do so.
One huge plus with the common app- the student can set up their account way in advance and get all of the ‘common app section’ information loaded up before applications even open. This is really helpful.
My D26 had all this filled out at the beginning of the Summer after her junior year. Since she was getting it done so early- she could easily slow roll it and just spend a bit of time every few days instead of trying to get it done with a deadline looming plus all the other application stuff that was needed to get done.
Also, you can view what the schools require- though they update every year- so do not get too far ahead with school specific items since those are subject to change.
I actually understand this sentiment- I prefer to compartmentalize actions- even if that means duplication. But I assure you, in this instance it is not really needed.
Just in case you are not aware- as soon as the student(s) submit the application, within 24-48 hrs they will be given a link to create an account with the schools application portal. At that point- there is no difference in the process from those that used the common app or the direct app. They will be using that schools application portal from then on. It will list all the to do’s and any missing items.
I doubt that the admissions officers will ever know how the application was submitted. So the ‘impersonal’ aspect will not come into play. Schools that care about that will care more about demonstrated interest instead of application used (if they even know what application was used).