<p>Does anyone know whether colleges prefer to receive applications via the mail vs. the computer?</p>
<p>No difference. Use whichever works best for you. I would personally use online, simply because it’s easier (especially with the common app), and you don’t have to worry about letters getting lost, or anything like that. WAY fewer headaches and less worrying.</p>
<p>If you do it on paper…and you have extremely good handwriting…will that help in the admission process?</p>
<p>I know…ridiculous question, hahaha, but I had to ask.
Would they think that you got your mom to fill it out for you or something? </p>
<p>I have really neat/“girly” handwriting…as everyone says, and I’m a guy.</p>
<p>Most of the colleges I’ve looked into specifically say that they would prefer to receive applications electronically. While I’m sure applying via the mail wouldn’t hurt an applicant’s chances, I wouldn’t recommend going against a college’s stated preference in hopes of gaining a (nonexistent) edge :P</p>
<p>^Like evertheoptimist said, I know that many colleges prefer the application completed online, for reasons such as it may get lost in the mail, it may be hard to read, etc.</p>
<p>Most online</p>
<p>I’m still a rising junior, so I’ll be working on applications NEXT summer. Now I know, though…Online it is! 
(Seems to be the general consensus.)</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Haha, I’ve been wondering the same thing because that’s exactly what people say to me. :p</p>
<p>^^</p>
<p>Haha…it is isn’t it?
Not only are they jealous, but people appreciate good hand-writing too =D</p>
<p>Anyway, anyone have an answer for that question?</p>
<p>“Does having good hand-writing boost your chances of admission? Hehehe… =P”</p>
<p>With the majority of people applying online, I wonder if a paper application would leave a more distinct impression?</p>
<p>From what I’ve heard, colleges tend either print out all their online applications or scan in all their paper applications. So I doubt that a paper application would really give that much of a different impression.</p>
<p>Admissions officers are paid professionals. I’m fairly confident that they have learned to treat all applications equally.</p>
<p>I think this is another area that’s pretty hit or miss. My guidance counselor basically forced me to apply in paper because she thought it looked more professional/more interested. Let’s be honest, just about anyone can fill out an internet form, putting crap in the mail takes time.</p>
<p>I’d say I fall on the paper application side of the issue. If nothing else some colleges might use the online applications to screen out certain groups (i.e. under a certain SAT), with paper applications they can’t do that as easily.</p>
<p>On the other hand some places are clearly more electronically oriented, I don’t think MIT has a paper application.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Yes they do.</p>
<p>And paper applications “look more interested?” Yeah, ok, whatever you say. I’ll save myself the time, energy, and pain of having to depend on the postal service and do just as well using an online application. Also:</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Anyone can address and send an envelope, fill out a form by hand, and places things in mail boxes. Save yourself the hassle and apply online, and worry only about the stuff that DOES matter (like your essays, for example).</p>
<p>Interesting…I don’t know which I’ll choose to use when the time comes to apply.</p>
<p>I agree, adcoms treat all apps equally. Online is simply easier for most students and most schools, and is why the online common app exists.</p>
<p>Well absent, I admit that I might be wrong. I think printing out an application can and does make a good impression, that doesn’t mean that it does 10 times out of 10. The truth is I went to a relatively unique high school, but my guidance counselor actually did require all students apply in writing (to be perfectly honest, part of this was to allow her to photocopy every element of your application). </p>
<p>For all you know the college you’re applying to might not even let adcoms SEE whether you applied in writing or not, they might just have the systems techs print out all the online applications.</p>
<p>I don’t know, they teach you to put your job applications on cotton paper cause it looks better, seems about the same to me.</p>
<p>They evaluate you on who you are, not on how you fill out an application.</p>