<p>Back in the 'ol days, when I was reading applications, it was usually best if the essay or other attachments were typed. Just made for easier reading. And in filling out the application forms, the main thing was for the student to print legibly.</p>
<p>I think it would still hold true today - it's just most kids now can print an essay from their computer file. And if a school receives thousands of applications, (whether hand-printed, or common app), much of the information is scanned into the college's application system. So the main thing is to have it legible enough to be picked up by the scanner. Though paper files are always maintained, usually ad. counselors are doing a lot of the "reading of the application" straight off the computer screen.</p>