<p>I'm already done with the application process but I have a brother who will have to go through the same (or a similar) thing about three years from now. I sent all of my applications except one through the Common App online. The one place I sent a paper application -- Georgetown -- accepted me, as did several schools to whom I sent electronic Common Applications. Still, I'd like to know -- do you think that one's chances are better if a paper application is sent rather than an electronic one? Also, is it 'better' to use the school's own application rather than the Common App?</p>
<p>They are the same print or online -- it's more convenient for the school (and the applicant, in my opinion) if you send online, but it will never count against you to print it out.</p>
<p>They say that using the college's own app is like applying early or visiting -- it indicates interest. My guess is that it makes very little difference.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that many schools accept the Common App exclusively, so you don't have to worry.</p>
<p>I personally preferred to print out the forms that I wrote up online, and enclose other forms I did on the computer into the full package. Then I liked to give a real signature. I felt it added a personal touch to the application.</p>
<p>Did it make a difference? No, I'm sure it did not. But printing out the forms and enclosing other ones into the full package made it MUCH easier for me in terms of organization. I also liked signing lots of official looking documents with a blue fountain pen, lol.</p>
<p>Joey</p>
<p>DD refused to do online submission, like Joey, she felt more in control of the process if she printed out the forms and had them mailed. She used exclusively Common App, but was ED so we don't know ho she would have fared.</p>