<p>I read somewhere that the adcom subconciously respond better to paper apps that are handwritten than to those submitted online. Writin' gives it a personal touch or something. Thoughts?</p>
<p>I agree with this. For an adcom it probably feels more personal to receive a paper app than one over the internet, and that the applicant put more effort into it.</p>
<p>Some colleges strongly prefer online apps. They are easier to read and are in a uniform format. It really does not matter enough to do one over the other, unless a school requests a certain type. Do whichever you think is easiest (which is normally the online one).</p>
<p>You see I don't think schools would offer multiple ways to complete their applications if they were going to be biased towards one in particular... just seems counterproductive to me.</p>
<p>Many schools prefer the online application just because it's easier for them to file all the necessary documents, but that is no indication of a preference in admissions.</p>
<p>though harvard doesnt,
some schools state explicitly that they prefer online applications to paper ones.</p>
<p>It largely depends on your handwriting....</p>
<p>But consider, everything has to end up on a computer anyway, right? They're not going to fill five rooms with files. It means more work for the poor secretary-type person to enter all that data. And if the admissions officer misplaces your app, well, that's it.</p>
<p>Do you really want to trust the United States Postal System?! I sent my great aunt an Easter greeting and she replied it was very odd to receive a card with flowers and bunnies in June.</p>
<p>Actually, I think the majority of colleges (including Harvard) do everything by paper. They print out and file all of our applications.</p>
<p>corranged is right I think
most colleges print out the pdf format of the online apps
(I'm sure that's why most ask you to preview your app as a pdf version)</p>
<p>I would imagine that getting anything other than neat, uniform handwriting would be frustrating for admissions. In addition, I don't think how you write it will come into play, even subconsciously.</p>
<p>Each student has a box/drawer/container thing and they file everything you send by mail and print out everything you send them online and file that too. It makes it easier on the interns working in admissions when you send it online, though, and it reduces the chance of anything getting lost in the mail or in the sorting system. One tip: if you do send things by mail, try to send as few installments as possible. Keep the supplement with the common app, for instance. My friend from admissions says that too many different installments gets confusing and frustrating.</p>
<p>I prefer paper apps because they're more comfortable. However, to some schools, even if they <em>prefer</em> the online app, they scan it, or type it up on the computers. I.E., Yale is doing everything this year on computers; there won't be any folders.</p>
<p>Do it online. The only reason they still offer paper apps is so as not to disadvantage those who do not have access to a computer. In a few years there will be no paper apps.</p>
<p>Who cares about a few years? For now, while the option is yours, do whatever you want.</p>
<p>Thanks you guys! This has all been really helpful. Keep 'em coming!</p>
<p>oh, by the way newyorker when you said that Yale "does everything on computers", does this mean that they type even the handwritten apps onto the computer? thx...</p>
<p>They're scanning them, I've read this year (on the ASC newsletter). So basically, no matter what, essentially your application will be read from a computer.</p>
<p>I have to send by paper... fee waiver :(. I wish we could do fee waivers online.</p>
<p>Choose plastic. It's better than paper any day. :)</p>