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UNC is my top, absolute-favorite choice. Chances are slim.

Would it be better to send an application online or on paper? Some people say they get pissed off if you send paper, and some say it shows more dedication to that school. Would the adcom get pissy or just the person who files it? (My handwriting is superneat so that's not a factor.) Will it make any difference at all?

It's probably not something I should be worrying about, but every bit helps. How many people did paper?

By Shauna (Shauna) on Friday, January 09, 2004 - 05:23 pm: Edit

Colleges want you to do electronic. Otherwise, why would they bother giving the option of electronic applications? It's less work for them, because then they don't have to pay somebody to transcribe your information.

I dont think it really matters, but I would say go electronic.

Shauna

By Saxmaster (Saxmaster) on Friday, January 09, 2004 - 06:18 pm: Edit

I went paper and got in, so I don't think it's a life or death question.
Also, it's better to go paper if you have any additional information you want to send in.

By Mnm86 (Mnm86) on Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 11:18 am: Edit

i did paper for a variety of reasons.

for me, having a tangible application in my hands was important. it made the process feel more real

also, for one question, i answered quite lengthily, and appreciated that i could paste my typed out answer right on top of the blank for another question that did not apply to me (it concerned engineering)

i just found it gave me much more flexibility
i could use the physical space to my advantage...i found the online app limiting.

the only reason i'd use an online app was if my school had waived the fee for online apps (some schools do, mine unfortunatly didn't)

i got in btw so i don't think they held it against me

By Musefinity (Musefinity) on Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 03:31 pm: Edit

Oops, I meant to say something I *shouldn't* be worrying about.

I think I feel the same way about wanting a tangible application in my hands. It just urks me to do it online for some reason. A speaker came to our school though and said it will hurt you if you send in a paper one. One of my teachers said he didn't know what he was talking about and another one said it was true, so I don't what's what.

By Wdlynn (Wdlynn) on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 - 08:24 pm: Edit

For a long time I felt the same way about hard-copy applications. The college application process is way too serious and life-changing to take care of with a mouse, a keyboard, and a few hours.

But as the deadlines approached I realized that online applications are easier, and since most colleges have printable applications available on their websites it's just as safe to print out a few copies, fill out a couple hard-copy versions, and transcribe them to the online form.

Just make sure you keep a keen eye out for nasty little typos.