<p>Which would most colleges prefer? An online application through their own utility or something like the CommonApp, or a paper application that they sent through their mail?
My mom said that she read somewhere (yes, this is third+-hand to me) that some colleges prefer paper applications they send in because it 'shows that you have some level of dedication to work with what they give you'.
However, I received one paper application from MIT and in the packet it reads that they prefer the online application to the written one (understandably for processing reasons). Is this the normal case, or just the special one for MIT?</p>
<p>I think it depends on the school. I applied ED to Cornell and they "strongly encourage" you to submit the application online (I'm guessing this makes it more convenient for them since if you submitted it on paper, they would have to scan your application into the computer anyway). I did it on paper because I had heard of too many stories of people who did the online app and thought they hit the submit button but never did, pasted their information/essays in the wrong boxes, etc, etc, etc.</p>
<p>Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. If you're more comfortable sending it in online, by all means do it. I'm pretty sure the secretaries do all the work getting the paper applications into their computer database so chances are, it's not going to **** the adcoms off (unless your handwriting is appalling, then I would strongly suggest using the online method).</p>
<p>I think they prefer online applications. Some of ones my son applied to specifically said they prefer online. There is much more chance of error if a secretary or a student is entering information from a hand-written form into a computer, and having the student submit apps online eliminates that work and that source of error. Plus you get instantaneous notification that your application has been sent, no worries that it is lost in the mail. You can pay online by credit card and have that part taken care of. I think online is win-win.</p>
<p>Hi concur with Ms. Oregon. On line saves time, is much neater and avoids worry.</p>
<p>Seven or more years ago you still had many colleges that preferred paper apps. That is no longer true as essentially every college now prefers electronic applications but sending paper is not held against you (except I believe some colleges now require electronic apps). Also, if a college accepts the common app, it matters not whether you use it or the college's own app; note, however, many also require their own supplement to the common app (also, some now require the common app because they no longer have their own)</p>
<p>I guess I'll stick to online applications. I haven't seen much evidence that the colleges I'm looking at prefer paper.
Thanks for the info!</p>
<p>I filled mine out by hand, and then watched on the internet by tracking number as they made their way cross-country. :)</p>
<p>Yeah, I'm all about the paper too!</p>
<p>I trust UPS wayyyyy more than the little email gnomes who carry my message across wires.</p>
<p>No really though, its all preference. I just like paper because it is tangible. Its like, "hey! heres my application!" Online seems anticlimactic to me!</p>
<p>I dunno, to me paper seems more real and traditional. Whilst online does seem quicker and neater. </p>
<p>There are fears that lie behind both for me. But hey, choose one and then just get over it :)</p>
<p>LOL the email gnomes. i can never think about the internet the same way again =D =D =D</p>
<p>my parents and i think online = wayyyy more convenient. i especially like applytexas and commonapp- fill’em out once, proofread it a couple of times, send’em out to as many colleges as you like.</p>
<p>paper does seem like more work = more dedication on ur part, but it means more work on their part too! ;D so idk. </p>
<p>haha- paper or plastic? ;D</p>