| semamom,
my son only completed one common app - and that did require a supplement that he was able to complete online. In general, completing as much of an application online as possible is better.
Last year, I think that the the number of characters was actually counted for some components - the number of words was a guideline that typically could be exceeded. If a print preview feature is available, use that to verify that everything you think is in the application is, in fact, in the application.
All of the on-line apps that my son submitted provided an e-mail confirmation that the form was received. For the paper bits (transcripts that come from the guidance office and letters of recommendation from teachers) - do yourself a favor and included stamped reply cards. While they don't ensure that the college will file all the transcript materials correctly (one uni lost the hs transcript), if you don't get them back in a couple of weeks or so, you will know at least something is wrong. My son's coded with TR-H (for teacher rec - initial) and so on. If you or your s/d are sending out a lot of apps, check off the cards on a spreadsheet when they are returned. Teacher's not sending rec's is a pretty common problem (they procrastinate, too!). Remember that application will not, in most cases, be reviewed until it is complete (expect for the midyear grades). |