<p>Can't you just copy the PDF into Word and then type what is necessary????</p>
<p>Not without irreversably losing the formatting of the original PDF.</p>
<p>I don't think my son would have been accepted anywhere if he had hand-written his applications....</p>
<p>My daughter used the common app for her applications. (Three years ago) She handwrote the information on one application and took it to Kinkos to have it copied eight times, using heavy paper almost identical to the original that one of the schools had sent. Then she filled out each colleges supplement by hand, with the exception of the essays, which she did on Word, printed out, labeled, and included behind the app. On the apps, she wrote something like 'see essay # 1 " where the lines for the essay were.
You almost couldn't tell the original common app from the Kinko's copy, and it didn't hurt her as she got in everywhere she sent it.
We didn't talk about it much - she wanted to do it this way, so that's how it was done. My son will want to send everything he possibly can online. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't want to apply to any school where he can't submit it online. Good thing, because his handwriting is... not so good.</p>
<p>DD, High schools devote so much energy to choosing colleges etc. What we really needed was a short course on application mechanics! E.g., paper clips, staples or separate mailings?</p>
<p>Im not in favor of the hardcopy version in any circumstances as the two choices that you point out typing or handwriting are both bad. Its possible that interesting handwriting might pique someones, well, interest, but to me theres also the risk of something not to like. Id say, keep it simple and impersonal. The attention span of the adcom reader is so limited anyway; you dont make it any harder on him/her.</p>
<p>Also, if the students using the common application she only has to enter the information once. Anyone in the clerical business knows its in the copying of the same information that mistakes get made.</p>
<p>Curious why a student wouldnt use the online version? Are there still schools out there that dont offer either their own or the common app on line?</p>
<p>What my son did was fill in the application on line, then print it and send in the completed version with attachments all in one package. (I think this is what others described.) Many, many people said this was unnecessary as zapping the app off electronically was perfectly safe and theres a sound argument to me made that this is what the colleges favor as its easier for them. </p>
<p>He just felt better having a hardcopy and everything in one place. He didnt have to worry about formatting the essays and for space challenging sections, he could just say, see attached. </p>
<p>A lot of the college advice books predate recent computer technology and the spread of the common application, so you have to take their advice with a grain of salt. Just a few years back, filling in the app on line wasnt an option so you get lengthy explanations of what to type and what to write.</p>
<p>In 2002 when my son applied Brown was still using the hand written essay. They said it weeded out the fainthearted. Eventually they succumbed to technology, though.</p>
<p>So hows it going in general. Wed love an update on the shortlist.</p>
<p>Thanks to all who bothered to respond to my rather pedestrian question. I certainly don't think that there is one right way, or that an otherwise acceptable candidate is "dinged" by their application mechanics. It is rather amazing how many different approaches there are to something so mundane. It's comforting really. I think my D can simply use the method which is most comfortable for her and leave the worrying for the bigger issues.</p>
<p>P.S. Two years ago, my S did his apps via a combination of word processed essays and some lists, the remainder being typed on a trusty old IBM Selectric II (yours truly being chief typewriter consultant). I'd like to avoid that thankless job this time around -- I'd like to be appreciated for my wit and wisdom, not my typewriting talents. :)</p>