application supplements--paper or email?

<p>Son is applying to some honors colleges/special programs that require essays/application supplements. They say you can submit via either 1) email or 2) paper. I called and they said either is fine. I realize I'm being overly paranoid here --- but does anyone know which would be better (& would submitting both ways just be incredibly annoying?)? Admission to this program could mean a great opportunity in son's major and make an affordable college worthwhile (so I'm nervous..).</p>

<p>Thanks for any thoughts!</p>

<p>Email is more dependable: no postal delivery problems, and you can ask for an email verification of receipt of the essay/supplement.</p>

<p>Do not submit both ways-besides being annoying, it might just confuse the person putting your son's file together.</p>

<p>It is so normal to be nervous, but have faith that these admissions staffs have been doing their jobs extremely efficiently for many years. They really want your application process to be smooth, and will help you with your questions. </p>

<p>Our first child's application file to an Ivy was missing a counselor's rec that was lost in the mail. The admissions office sent a kind note ("Do not panic!...etc.) and asked us to send a new one. (Yes, we did panic anyway.) Three months later she received the treasured fat envelope.</p>

<p>Thanks, fauve. I did run out tonight in the rain to 'regular mail' the application. They told me at the school that they'd email a verification of receipt, no matter what form the application took. </p>

<p>Guess we'll see. Panic has subsided now that envelope is in the mail. :-)</p>

<p>Jolynne, there was a thread a couple weeks ago- an adcom noted that online applications are fine, and easier for them because someone has to input the info into the computer. Someone in your house, or someone in theirs. Might save you a trip in the rain if there are other applications going out from your house.</p>

<p>Thanks, Karen Colleges! That does make sense! I guess I somehow thought that it might run into a formatting problem if we emailed. Also, I've sent out some emails lately to high-security companies that have been turned back (someone there told me there might be a virus). </p>

<p>Once I get this virus thing straightened out, good to know there is an advantage to the email form.</p>

<p>Similar question - D is applying to a school that requires a supplement but the supplement is not on the Common App website. It is available on the school's website but only as a PDF. So she'll submit the Common App electronically and the supplement by mail, right?</p>

<p>Yes, and some schools do it that way so they can start your file early, and give the student more time to finish the essay & supplement, and send themlater on the due date.</p>