Questions on filling out application....

Applying to College
1

Hi,
I just have a few questions about filling out the common application. They are are follows:

  • Is it better to type or print? I’d be able to print neatly, but is it going to be more presentable when typed, or do they like to see them handwritten?
  • If my parents went to a vocational school, does that count as college? (My mom’s program was only a year, and I think my dad’s was 2 I think… I’m really hoping I qualify as a first-generation college student!)
  • How many recommendations should I send? I’m required to have two, but would it be good to send one or two more? And if so, how do I go about sending one from a coach who has never had me in class? The form says it’s for teachers who have taught you in an academic subject, so should I forget the coach thing?

I think these are the only questions I have… for now!

2

<p>i handwrote all my applications (or plan on handwriting, for those I have yet to fill out).</p>

3

<p>I have a neighbor who is an admissions counselor. She says never, but NEVER send a handwritten application. For what that's worth.</p>

4

<p>It is hard for most people not to send a handwritten application as typewriters are not easy to come by. We no longer own one, but I think the school still has one available. Most students have no idea how to use a typewriter, and I would think it would be difficult for them to type on the lines without help. I remember it taking forever trying to get everything to be straight on the lines. Maybe I'm wrong, but I woulf assume if a student didn't use the online or common applications then they were handwritten.</p>

5

<p>we were advised never to handwrite. my school won't except them. I use Adobe Acrobat. You can download a trial and use it.</p>

6

<p>The common application is formatted so that you can use the computer. I understand that everyone does not have access to a computer, but you can use computers at the public library or maybe the school has a computer lab where if you explain your situation, they may let you use the computer. I am against handwritten applications because you don't have legible handwriting, no one is going to take the time to figure out what you have written.</p>

<p>You should try to submit 2 academic recommendations: English, and a science or math from a teacher who you have had Junior or senior year. Some schools will allow you to send one additional recommendation, but it should be a meaningful one. Forget the coach recommendation.</p>

<p>I am not sure about how to answer the vocational school question, while it is not college it is school past secondary education.</p>

7

<p>And what do you do if the school you are applying to doesn't take the common application? Some schools still use paper applications.</p>

8

<p>Fill in what you can as neat and definitely as legible as possible, make sure that all other things, essays, recs, are typed</p>

9

<p>You can definitely handwrite apps. It actually looks personal and if you're neat it's not a problem. But if you are using the Common App for more than one school, it just might be easier to print multiple copies and do it on the computer. </p>

<p>You can send in extra recs, but try not to go overboard (I would say a maximum of two extras). If you want a rec from a coach, make that an extra one, not one of the two major ones.</p>

10

<p>i'd type if possible...it shows organization and looks good</p>

11

<p>Okay. I just thought of a couple more questions....
Should I include a resume with my application?
Do I need to send in the application before my teachers send in their reccomendations?
Finally, for an alumni interview for Princeton, someone I know has a friend that does them in Arizona, and he said that I could do a conference call with him. However, I'm in Minnesota... would it be okay if I got this with him, or do I need to let Princeton contact me with someone near me?
Thanks!</p>

12

<p>The sooner you send in an application, the sooner the college will open a file on you and sschedule you an interview. </p>

<p>Regarding the Resume: some student do send in Resumes. I would suggest doing a search on post by Soozievt who has given a lot of good advice on the topic</p>

<p>Let Princeton arrange for your interview as they really do not want your interview to be done by some one who knows you or the friend of a friend. If the friend of a friend did the interview, Princeton would probably frown upon it then it does not do you any good.</p>

13

<p>Especially if you don't even live in the same town. They want you to meet face to face with someone, and make connections with alumni. And it's true, they don't want the interviewer to know you beforehand. </p>

<p>Resumes aren't really necessary if you think that the application covers your important activities. Resumes are usually geared towards jobs anyway. If you really need to attach more information, try doing a "brag sheet." There are books with formats you can check out.</p>