One complaint we get about our forum search function is that it isn’t very effective if there are a ton of matching results. So, we are now offering a [Google</a> Search option for CC](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/faq.php#google"]Google”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/faq.php#google). This doesn’t replace our current search, but it may prove more useful at times. Here’s our initial take on when to use each search:
<li>You are searching for an uncommon term</li>
<li>You want to find posts by a particular member</li>
<li>You want to search or sort by date</li>
<li>You want to search within a particular forum or subforum</li>
<li>You want to see results as individual posts.</li>
<li>You are searching for a common term that is returning hundreds of pages</li>
<li>You are searching for a complex phrase, a long search term, or a term with very short words, numbers, etc.<br></li>
<li>You want to see results from all CC pages, not just forum pages.</li>
In general, the more complex your search string, the more likely it is that Google’s algorithm will work better. Our search engine is quite literal, and it can’t separate better or more important content from the rest. Google’s search algorithm is a lot more sophisticated, and may tolerate slightly fuzzier matches.
One other note - CC search is better for very recent posts. Google constantly has robots scouring our site for new content, but there is a lag before new posts/threads are visible there. Our internal search engine is updated as soon as something new is posted.
So, to get the most recent content on any topic, the CC search function will deliver it.
Oddly the old search method, when not logged in, no longer works for me. It always responds that I need to wait 15 seconds before I can search again, regardless whether this is the first search, and regardless of how long I wait. I can now only search when logged in.
The Common Ap has a check box to waive your right to ever see your recommendations from your teachers. Why should anyone waive that right. The implications are that either Admissions Directors will doubt the veracity of a recommendation or that the teachers answers will be colored by the waiver box. I don’t accept those answers, choosing to believe we are better than that. The students doesn’t see them until after they are matriculated at a school and only if they ask. Obviously if the are matriculated someplace an admissions office accepted what was presented.