<p>So, I started working with the common app, and I find the online interface to be really confusing...</p>
<p>Is there no way to specify exactly what I do for my extra-curriculars, or does it really have to be on the drop down list? I feel like thats so restraining, like colleges won't really know what I participate in...</p>
<p>When I submit the app online, will the colleges be printing out a PDF? Thus, should I be making sure the PDF version looks correct? I thought the whole idea of applying online was to make everything "greener" and such. </p>
<p>I'm totally overwhelmed by the common app and the whole admissions process as a whole. Thank you!!!</p>
<p>good post, I’m worried about the pdf warnings too… the boxes are so tiny and the stuff I put in them are at risk of being cut off!</p>
<p>yes, I agree completely! and I can’t specify on my EC’s! Also, I have another question for anyone who is reading: for the self-reporting AP scores, must I list all exams taken? I’ve earned a couple 2’s i’m not proud of, but I wont leave them off the application unless I know for certain it’s ok.</p>
<p>Baylahh (and Lanayru) -</p>
<p>For the extracurriculars, you only select the “genre” (so to speak) of the extracurricular using the drop-down menu. Then, you are able to describe exactly what you do using the two lines provided.</p>
<p>As for the PDF stuff - yes, the colleges WILL be printing it out and using the PDF version. Make sure (and this is VERY important) that you check to see if the app looks fine in PDF form. To do this, press preview at the top of the page and read everything meticulously.</p>
<p>Best regards,
<p>Many schools export the data you enter into the app and don’t ‘print’ the app at all. A large percentage of the member schools have adopted a ‘green’ policy and do what is called imaging of the PDF (basically taking a picture and saving the data via OCR type programs).
So, while the PDF is limited in space for some of the questions, know that every school has access to the actual data you enter that is not formatted into a tiny block on the printed PDF.<br>
While you should double and triple check the PDF for accuracy, the data you enter is what is really important. </p>
<p>The actual printing of the PDF is utilized far less every year. It all depends on the school.</p>
<p>2 years ago there was a way to actually print the pdf before you submit payment. We plan to do that before DD submits anything to a school. She still has to finish her essays which I hope will be complete in two weeks and then we can start proofing and submitting.</p>