<p>parent here. Does the student send a copy of the common app to each college applied to, directly to that specific and individual college? In other words, if my student wants to write a different type of essay for each individual college, tailored to that college, and he is mailing it out himself to each, is that okay? Is the common app a mailing service, or is it just a useful standard form and the student directs the form, with essays of his choice, and potentiallly different essay choices, to various colleges. I'm confused.</p>
<p>The Common App can be printed out and mailed, OR you can attach (i.e., upload) the essay & additional info, push the "submit" button, and shoot it off electronically. You can do alternate versions of the Common App. and upload the essay tailored for that school. </p>
<p>When D was applying to school 3 years ago, she was worried about sending stuff off into cyberspace, and wanted to mail the applications via certified mail so we could then track them. Now, as S is applying, we've sent off 1 electronically, and 1 via mail. The mailed application was to his first choice school and included 2 projects that he's submitting instead of test scores. When we hear from his first choice school (12/15), he may or may not send out other applications. If he does, they'll go electronically, unless he decides to send his projects to those schools, too. Some schools strongly encourage the electronic versions, but I haven't heard of any that absolutely refuse printed (hard) copies.</p>
<p>Thank you very much, CBBBlinker. We appreciate the clarification, and your taking the time to answer, and this answers my questions.</p>
<p>The only time that paper Common App forms are anywhere near the possession of the Common App people is when they are originally made.</p>
<p>when a school makes a preference for electronic/save the forests and paper path..you should respect it. I notice that the Common App is much more expected online today than it was in my son's day four years ago...They will scan in what you send hard copy to your folder anyway in most schools so that it looks like everyone elses...and is digital.</p>