semamom

Hi ohio_mom --

Excellent suggestions. Application essays can seem an overwhelming challenge until you break down the process into bite-sized chunks like this.

I do have a related question (in response to comments further down the thread):

Colleges that request the Common Application (usually in addition to a college-specific supplement) would be receiving a student's initial essay ("Personal Statement") as part of that document. If you send it online, you will be subject to the length restriction, it seems.

I get the impression that more and more colleges prefer that you submit online (at least the Common Application). Some say so in no uncertain terms, and others waive the application fee if you submit online. So how are people managing to send in principal essays that are longer?

And a related question regarding the college-specific supplements: Many of them including additional essay questions; some can be submitted online, and some have to be mailed. If a supplement is going to be mailed, does the student just give it to the guidance counselor to be sent in with the transcript and teacher recs? (In our school, those documents must come directly from the school; the student does not mail them).

I guess I'm a little confused about what seems to be a very disconnected application process, with elements of the student's file coming in via different channels.

Any thoughts/insight would be appreciated.

Thanks.