<p>So what is the difference between applying online and applying on paper? I know a lot of schools say that they prefer for you to apply online, but I really would rather apply on paper (I make a lot of dumb errors that I never catch on the computer, even if I had somebody help me to edit it I would be more confident on paper). Does how you apply affect your admissions decision at all? I know obviously a school will tell you it has nothing to do with the decision or how your application is viewed, but schools say a lot of things that aren't exactly true from what I've read on here. </p>
<p>If you type your essays and short answers and maybe your resume/brag sheet/activities list, whatever you want to call it, but then handwrite the other parts of your application, does that come across looking sloppy and lazy? I have really nice handwriting, if that makes any difference...I read in some book that sometimes a handwritten application will stand out a bit in the monotony of online/typed ones, is that true?</p>
<p>Any comments or opinions would be appreciated. Thanks!</p>
<p>It wont make a difference in your decision, it will just make more work for the college, because they will have to put everything thats on paper into a computer.</p>
<p>Every school I've heard from (besides Chicago) prefers online apps. In most cases, paper apps get scanned into a computer anyway, and online apps are much easier because they're quicker and it's harder to make a mistake.</p>
<p>I've heard that paper is better because of several reasons:</p>
<p>1) Makes the app more personable.
2) Whitening things out shows them you're a human who makes mistakes thus coming across at not being arrogant or snobby or thinking you're "too good" for the school. (helps with safeties)
3) Shows them that YOU were the one that took the time to fill out the application, not your parents or some professional service.</p>
<p>All in all, if you're applying to say 20 schools, yea by all means go the online route but if you're doing around 7 this is what I would do.</p>
<p>Check with each school, actually. I know Cornell says they "strongly recommend" that you use the online version since it's much easier for them, but other schools might swing the other way.</p>
<p>Do you hate trees? Do you eat the blood and guts of trees every day? Do you wish to go to college so you can invent weapons to create tree genocide? WELL, DO YOU, YOU TREE-HATAH????</p>
<p>Then your answer is clear. VERY clear. </p>
<p>Seriously, do online, and write an essay on how you would've rather did a paper application but did online anyways because you care about the extra hassle you might give to the school.</p>
<p>Haha, I'm no tree-hater...just a perfectionist who has trouble reading things on computer screens. Actually, I'm not tech-savvy at all, I know the online apps don't require you to be but I'm worried I will accidentally send Yale some 6th grade IM conversation instead of my essay.</p>
<p>I don't know...does anybody think paper is a good idea??</p>
<p>Do what feels right. If you think it will impact your application negatively to do it on the computer, then by all means do it on paper. Colleges have paper applications for a reason--they expect some people to prefer them.</p>
<p>I personally loved using paper, but then again I'm more of a traditionalist and hate using the internet for official business. But yeah, I think it was easily one of the best decisions I had made [well second only to using the common application] but seriously, it was just easier on me, and I don't like to be limited by the internet whereas on paper I'm in total control. So my recommendation is paper, but that's probably because I did so well with paper apps :D</p>
<p>I really don't think there's an advantage either way, but when I applied two years ago, I submitted almost all my applications on paper (the exception was UTexas, my state school) because, like Tonyt88 said, I didn't like the idea of just sending it electronically. The whole application was more "complete" when I was able to hand off the finished copy to the post office. Yeah, I know, it could still get lost in the mail and never show up at the admissions office, but I preferred sending in a paper application form.</p>
<p>oblakutvojojkafi (Is that a completely random user name?): See this</a> thread and the thread and website it links to</p>
<p>I HIGHLY SUGGEST you search around before you post topics. Not like anyone isn't interested in sharing, but you will probably get your answer more quickly by searching 'online paper.'</p>
<p>Here are four threads I found on my first page of searching:</p>
<p>Remember though that when you do your apps by hand, most schools are using common apps, and if they are, that means you'll have to fill out the same information time and time again.</p>
<p>
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Remember though that when you do your apps by hand, most schools are using common apps, and if they are, that means you'll have to fill out the same information time and time again.
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</p>
<p>Maybe I'm misinterpreting this, but all you have to do is write one and make copies.</p>
<p>I thought it was a lot easier to use online applications. Paper is much more time consuming and harder to correct errors on.</p>
<p>Also most schools enter your information into a computer even if you send it by paper before the adcoms see it, so sending your application online makes it easier for them.</p>
<p>Thanks! I'm not even sure if I'm going to apply on paper or online yet. I think I will probably just end up doing paper, but I wanted to look into applying online. The only advantage I would see in that is that the application fee would be waived for some schools so I wanted to see which schools do that.</p>
<p>Oblak u tvojoj kafi actually means "cloud in your coffee" in Serbo-Croatian. I'm from that region and speak the language at home so it isn't just a random name for me. I first heard that phrase in a song by the band Bijelo Dugme and I liked it.</p>