i’ve got a few questions on the ways to apply for colleges:
does it matter to colleges whether you apply through paper or online?
do paper applications show that you’re more serious applying?
what are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
<p>Most colleges prefer the online applications, since it’s instantaneous, but it won’t affect your chances in any way if you apply by mail.</p>
<p>save your time and the schools’ time by applying online :)</p>
<p>The only bad thing about applying online is that your application normally has attachments such as your activity-list, resume, and essays. If you apply online, you still have to mail the attachments and then the college attaches them to your application that they printed at their end. Colleges say that they prefer online apps, but I personally feel better attaching everything myself.</p>
<p>It is the most effective way. All of the things dufus mentions can also be transmitted electronically…mostly are and there is no reason to do the paper app. It costs more because you then have to pay for post that is trackable…why bother? Most HS do electronic transmittal now and it is much preferred by colleges. Electronic is the answer.</p>
<p>Online - in the end it is just more efficient and you save money. Some schools lower or waive the fee if you apply online and you don’t have to pay postage. Many schools prefer it and will tell you so. Some (like Stanford) even require you to submit part of your app online.</p>
<p>I’m with dufus I like attaching everything myself.</p>
<p>thx for all the inputs
another question about attachments
so you can just attach documents to your application?
do all schools accept them?</p>
<p>Most school have a place where you can attach additional material.</p>
<p>I sent my applications in online, but I also sent a recorded CD and letter separately in the mail or each college.</p>
<p>It’s easy to edit (before you submit) and easy to use. However, if you don’t have broadband, it can be a big pain in the arse, but it’s manageable. </p>
<p>For those essays and attachments, most colleges allow you to place an attachment (like adding attachment to an e-mail) or you can copy and paste onto the application itself (though you should be careful because certain Microsoft Word aspects don’t make it, so you should preview it and get rid of kinks).</p>
<p>And colleges actually prefer going online than paper. Some even give you breaks (no application fee or reduced application fee).</p>
<p>So if they have a online app, go for it!</p>