<p>One school on ds’s list requires the Common Application, which can be completed either online or in paper. My first instinct is to use the paper version, since his schooling has been unconventional and might not “fit” well into the online form.</p>
<p>But what happens when a school receives a paper application? Does someone just re-type all the information into an online version anyway? Do the adcoms even see the meticulously prepared paper documents?</p>
<p>If the paper version never makes it to the adcom, then we’d be better off to use the online form in the first place.</p>
<p>I imagine the day will come when the entire system will be paperless. Think about what that saves in paper, paper folders, paper labels for the folders, filing cabinets and other office equipment (staple removers, punches, staplers) and think about the labor savings of people not having to open envelopes, sort through paper, match all the paper together, pull the file or make a file, and then refile the whole mess. Most on-line forms that I saw were virtually identical to paper forms with regard to the information requested. My college son rarely “prints” papers and in most cases his profs want them electronically. I think the kids are comfortable with the concept of electronic communication. I may be contrarian here, but “meticulously prepared paper documents” should be no different than “meticulously prepared electronic” communication.</p>
<p>When my dd applied to college two years ago, the online application for one of her schools was a stripped-down version that didn’t provide a way to include some information she felt was important. Some of the questions gave pick-lists of possible answers that didn’t apply to her. To complete the form, she would have had to enter misleading or inaccurate answers or leave these questions blank. On paper, she could note “not applicable” or “please see attached” or add a footnote.</p>
<p>However, this was not the Common Application; it was the school’s own form. Maybe the Common App is more flexible. Is there a way to “test drive” the online version without starting an actual application?</p>
<p>I’d love to hear from others who have experience with fitting unconventional information into the Common Application online form.</p>
<p>At most schools, the forms will go in a file. The paperless schools will just scan the documents into their imaging systems. Try to submit online, though. It is much faster and more reliable than the mail sometimes is.</p>