<p>So, it's almost summer, and that means it's way past the time for us juniors to start thinking about college apps. Most of us have already started thinking about what we want in a school, and have even visited a few, but what about the actual application process?</p>
<p>I want to use paper. I don't care if my hand cramps up or if it takes weeks...to me, it's not even about trying to "impress" colleges or anything weird like that. As a writer/journalist, I just enjoy putting pen to paper. And since I plan on starting quite early (like mid-summer early), I'm sure it won't be a big deal.</p>
<p>But I've heard that some colleges actually discourage the paper application, especially the ones that use the common app. Is this true? How many people put in paper apps and how many did online? Does it really matter?</p>
<p>I understand the tactile pleasure in writing! However, it has been known to happen that colleges have lost the mail.... shudder.... but they really can't lose electronic info. If they do, and it must happen, you can resend it very fast. You will get email response that schools have received your apps, and that will ease your mind. A little story about losing the mail. It may be legend, but I did hear the story. A long time ago, all of the applications that a college received were on top of a filing cabinet in the office. Half of them slipped down behind the cabinet, unbeknownst to anyone, and they stayed there for months. </p>
<p>Another benefit to doing it electronically, is that you will have convenient files in one place-- your computer (BACK UP BACK UP BACK UP!!), and YOU won't lose anything either. It gets very confusing to have many different applications lying all over the house, bedroom, den, wherever, and if it's all in one place, in individual folders, one for each school, then you will feel so organized! </p>
<p>My advice is to save your need to write for your own writing. You will do plenty of it and you can write whenever you want to. Welcome to the 21st century! :)</p>
<p>Some schools waive the application fee if you apply on-line. Some will allow you to check the status of your application (including the ultimate decision) only if you apply on-line.
It is more convenient for them if you use the on-line app.</p>
<p>I remember at Yale, (I think) about 95% sent in online applications. Even at a regular state school, it's a very large majority (I know that at UWashington over 90% of applicants applied online). </p>
<p>A lot of times it's easier because it's directly put into the database. </p>
<p>Sometimes, schools do discourage it (e.g. Yale) and other times, it doesn't matter. However, if a school does not advise that you submit the paper application, I'd suggest that you follow its wishes.</p>
<p>Just do the online app. I understand what you mean about the pen and paper, but using the online app is both easier for everyone involved as well as environmentally friendly.</p>
<p>plus, some essays are reused. Save yourself the time and just retype a few sentences or a paragraph rather than write out the whole thing over again.</p>
<p>Also, if you make a mistake, the most professional way to correct it is to get a whole new sheet of paper. On the computer, it is a matter of hitting backspace. Computers also have spell check and grammar check.</p>