Disclosed herein are compositions comprising a first copolymer derived from monomers comprising a (meth)acrylate monomer, an acid monomer, and optionally at least one additional monomer selected from the group consisting of styrene, α-methyl-styrene, vinyl toluene, and mixtures thereof, wherein the first copolymer is derived in the absence of a molecular weight regulator and wherein the first copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of less than 10,000 Daltons, and methods of making the same. The compositions and methods disclosed can be used, for instance, in pressure-sensitive adhesive applications.