<p>I definitely agree that the basic application should be standardized for the sake of the students doing less busy work, but I think that should put more emphasis on good supplements.
I’m pretty sure I speak for a lot of people who value essays above all else; I have to. I have done well in school, but I don’t think it is representative of me at all as I am now because high school has been an upward climb. It is evident in my classes and grades, sure, but one could assume just from looking at my transcript that I couldn’t get it together as well as I could until I had to for college, when really I’ve just grown in my breadth of curiosity over the years, thought I was seeking what I wanted and taking advantage of opportunities, then really realized that what I needed to do was challenge myself in areas that are less specific and “interesting” (though I find most every class fascinating) to do what I want.
I love UChicago for the fact that they want to see how their applicants can convey their own ideas about education, themselves, or something completely random that provides another window into their electric minds. I wish my other top school had that, but I guess the struggle is to be poignant and concise.
So I guess that the common app is great for having to only fill out the tedious busywork once, but I think that supplements are extremely valuable; you should be able to prove why you belong at a school. Transcripts and extracurriculars say a lot about you, but clearly not everything. What is the point if you can’t say anything about your work?
So I hope your point is that the paperwork should be a one-time thing, and secondary to the part of the application that really needs attention.</p>