<p>Does anyone know where the info about where else you have likely applied shows up? I know up to 6 schools on the FAFSA show. I did not think SAT requests or the ED/EA, info was distributed to the colleges other than to what pertains specifically to each college. Does using the on line common app generate other college infor to each college?</p>
<p>calmom- thx, that's what I needed to know. I thought you filled common app out once, and it was set in stone!...glad to know it can be edited.
So, with the way your d did it, could she still do the app in word, or did she print out a blank and handwrite it, or what?
just trying to envision the process
maybe I'm old-school, but with the failure/glitch rate of our home computers, I'd feel better in hard-copy/snail mail mode, and phone instead of email too!</p>
<p>The question about other colleges is not on the Common App this year. I've checked repeatedly. Some schools may ask this question on their Common App supplements, though.</p>
<p>Regarding filling out and sending the Common App all online, I just wanted to mention that my older boy applied to law schools this past year, which is done on a similar system - you fill out apps at a central site online and send them to multiple schools electronically. It went absolutely without a glitch.</p>
<p>But there can be glitches. Two years ago, my nephew thought he was sending Common App (online) to 3 colleges. It only went to 2 (and not to his "safety"-- altho it wasn't really a safety, they just thought it was). He and his family were living in Central Asia, didn't understand the selectivity issue and didn't realize they should check to make sure everything arrived. He didn't get in anywhere, but found a school that still had openings. It turned out well (and with a merit scholarship), but not without months of agonizing and self-recrimination..</p>
<p>wecandothis, I believe my daughter filled in the information by hand, but of course used Word for the essays (writing "see attached" on the form). I did tell her how to get free software to fill out a PDF (CutePDF), and I know we used that for filling out info on the blank rec forms -- but I think she just decided it was easier to write in the info. She has very neat and legible handwriting, so that wouldn't be a problem. I am not all that sure, though (if she kept a copy of the applications anywhere, I can't find them). </p>
<p>I actually feel that sometimes the electronic submissions are more verifiable, at least if the system is set up to give you electronic verification of the submission and also retrieve a hard copy of the file. We did send in all applications using priority mail with a tracking number for delivery confirmation. However, as far as I know, there were no hitches this year either with the mail or with the e-submissions. The colleges prefer the electronic submissions at this point, because it saves them the trouble of data entry.</p>
<p>DianeR - my son also had to submit graded writing samples to a couple of LAC's, and I think it was actually a very good thing. My daughter, who is 5 years younger, always assumed that she would need the same so she kept copies of all her best work all the way through high school, so then was disappointed when none of her colleges wanted them! (She applied to larger colleges and universities, though -- the only LAC was Barnard). </p>
<p>However, after she was deferred EA from Chicago, she sent them a supplemental essay and a graded writing sample, and she was admitted in the spring. Chicago does say it will accept supplemental submissions. In the context of her deferral, it made sense. Her original essays were very lighthearted and humorous in tone -- so with the deferral I suggested that she should show Chicago her more serious side. She happened to have a paper done for a psych class that fit in very well with the essay she submitted, and which showed off her analytical writing skills well.</p>
<p>Thanks for the information about graded writing samples. I've mentioned this before and people have thought it was strange or I was hallucinating LOL.</p>
<p>As you point out, one can always send it things that aren't required. My daughter sent in quite a bit, except for her safety school where admission was a foregone conclusion.</p>
<p>It depends on the college --many specifically do NOT want additional submissions. For my daughter, the only two colleges that seemed open ended about additional submissions were Barnard and Chicago. A few other schools were open to very specific materials, such as an activities resume or an arts portfolio submission. So I wouldn't advise sending stuff in unless the college indicates that they will accept it.</p>
<p>D needed a graded writing sample at Hamilton and Scripps. It was VERY tough to dig one up. Around here, they don't write many papers. The truth be known, they don't read many either. ;)</p>
<p>I've heard this about some high schools and lots of colleges, including Ivies. How do they expect kids to learn basic writing skills?</p>
<p>on the other hand, my kid recycles any papers I don't lock down and hide.</p>