<p>I know this topic has been beaten to death. In fact, without majoring in the subject I was pretty much convinced that colleges were sincere in their protestations that they actually prefered online apps and certainly did not in any way offer an admissions advantage to those who apply on paper, so worst case they were indifferent. </p>
<p>So I was a little surprised when a friend with a kid at an elite private school told me they were advised by their hs gc to use the paper app, for all the traditional reasons. This of course would be a gc with many years of experience getting kids into top colleges. Argh!</p>
<p>My son ran into a problem when one of his essays wouldn't fit in the prescribed online space. Grrrrrr. Ended up that he sent in Part 1 online and printed out the online version of Part 2--with the longer essay pasted in. Other than those additional 100 words, it looked exactly like the online apps. The adcom didn't have to print it out. Cost a bit to FedEx it in though but he tried and tried to rewrite to get those words out and the whole thing deflated each time. So...he improvised.</p>
<p>My son wouldn't put any handwriting on any app! :eek: Even his signature is a bit dogdy.</p>
<p>NU started using the common app so they could have their specific app online only. Also, don't colleges scan everything onto their computers to make your file? Wouldn't an online app make things a little easier? Also, wouldn't they print everything out when reading apps, so unless you hand write your essays, it shouldn't make much of a difference? In all honesty, it should make 0 difference because the medium by which you complete your app will not make those SAT scores seem higher, will not make that GPA seem better, and will not make those ECs seem more unique.</p>
<p>My computer oriented son wouldn't dream of doing a paper application. It doesn't help that most post offices aren't open till midnight. He's had to struggle with formatting issues (he wanted to use greek letters in one application, but couldn't get them to format correctly), but he preferred to curse the guys who programmed the college applications and figure out work arounds, rather than just print the darn thing out on our computer!</p>
<p>We were the Flintstones. Never even thought of submitting anything online (except those that were required). Just not a tech savvy enough family to find "work arounds". The type in the "boxes" flipped us out. On one required online submission for her instate safety she continued to type because the very small box kept allowing more characters. It was a virtually unreadable disaster. </p>
<p>Nope. Nope. Nope. The one app that was screwed up was the one online app.</p>
<p>If your kid is a computer aficionado, that would be a different story. Mine uses a computer to go on Facebook now that she is in, google, and to type papers. Other than that it is a paperweight. </p>
<p>Kid spent more &%^$@#* time formatting those online apps than writing essays. Sheesh -ENOUGH ALREADY (yes, I did finally wig out and insist on mailing). So far 2 acceptances with paper apps. </p>
<p>OTOH, S's friend had his safety state u priority app get bumped to regular decision because they said they didn't receive his essay - which he attached online per their instructions and was check-marked as received on his status page!</p>
<p>our son was 6 for 6 with online applications, was offered a total of $375,000 in merit scholarship and completed all his applications in one weekend prior to Thanksgiving. Not a bad plan for him.</p>