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There are several different web sites that allow you to apply online. Which ones are the best? Do colleges have a preference whether or not you apply online?

By David Hawsey on Monday, August 20, 2001 - 05:51 pm: Edit

Dear Turbo:

Online applications are becoming more prevalent each year. Most colleges prefer these because they are an efficient way to "dump" the information directly into their data base, rather than key in the information by hand once the paper copy is sent in.

Do not equate the quality of a college's academic programs with the fact that they do, or do not have online applications. The University of Dayton only accepts online applications, and last time I checked I think they were going to an all electronic application, including transcripts. This is not common, nor do most professionals in higher education believe it is going to be a common thing in the future. While Dayton is a fine school, their decision to require electronic applications has little to do with the overall quality of teaching, and any outcomes of a degree from that institution.

This is because most of the nation's 80,000 school districts do not yet support a total online application process due to technology differences. Many do not have the means to send transcripts directly through the internet. And many students and families still have a stigma about sending anything confidential through the world wide web.

Sites with online applications usually are presenting a third-party's application software to students, such as Apply! (CollegeNET), and others. You don't see the vendor's identity, just the college's on the web page with the application. You typically use a secure password site, and can make changes to your application until you are ready to send it officially. In my mind, the best reason to send an application online is that many colleges waive the application fee! This can range from $15 to $50.

Most of all, I do believe online applications get the "ball rolling" earlier for both student and college. However, no application is complete until all forms are in, inlcuding transcripts, recommendation forms, and the like. Therefore, the sooner you get the whole package together, the better. I am unaware of any college that gives preferential admission to those who apply online.

Given the vast differences in technology, and the lack of a correlation between administrative technology that allows high schools to send things electronically, and the quality of the applicant, it seems unfair to treat electronic applications with any preference.

By MIDad on Friday, August 24, 2001 - 02:55 pm: Edit

Some people think that online apps, particularly using the common app, might be a disadvantage at very competitive schools. It goes back to the question, "Is this student REALLY interested in our school, and will he come here if we extend him an offer?" This may be an urban myth - I've never heard any admissions offer quoted as saying anything other than, "all applications are treated equally."

By Dave Berry on Saturday, August 25, 2001 - 06:55 am: Edit

This raises an interesting point. Personally (and professionally), I'm not a big fan of the Common Application due to its generic quality. I realize that there are college-specific supplements for the Common App, but nothing, in my opinion, beats applying to a college (especially an elite college) by way of their own, specific application.

If I might recommend something here, turbo, it would be to consider using the college-specific
applications if you're shooting for the most competitive colleges. 'Just my opinion. I think it provides an advantage.

By chimme dolkar on Sunday, December 09, 2001 - 09:44 am: Edit

i would like to view the common reccomendation forms for colleges

By Dadster on Sunday, December 16, 2001 - 08:33 pm: Edit

Do you mean the common application, Chimme?

By amd on Sunday, December 16, 2001 - 09:39 pm: Edit

I am assuming that he means the Teacher Evaluation form that goes with the Common Application form.

By Dadster on Sunday, December 16, 2001 - 10:02 pm: Edit

I found this link, Chimme: Common Application Teacher Evaluation form. Let us know if that is what you needed.

By Jacob on Thursday, April 18, 2002 - 10:53 am: Edit

I actually don't think it matters that much which form of an application you use. It seems to be because people were so concermed about this issue that JHU and Harvard did away with their own application forms altogether so that people wouldn't be afraid to use the common app. I got into NYU using the common app even though the essay topic was IMO a *lot* easier than the ones on their own app.

I got nervous about using the Common App at Yale, so I used their own application, but I met a friend online who told me, "I applied to Yale blind [not having done any research on it], and only applied because they took the common app." We both got in, so, as far as I know at least, at these particular, very selective schools, the form of application doesn't really matter. It may have a lot to do with the fact that the purpose of the common app is defeated if applicants are afraid to use it. Schools don't have to take the common app; if a school decides to accept the common app, it is indicating a willingness to deal with it fairly.

By AFL on Thursday, April 18, 2002 - 09:18 pm: Edit

I've had a lot of experience with this and counsel students to use the Common App for every school that accepts it. However, as soon as these words are out of my mouth, I also suggest that it isn't a bad idea to make certain that SOMETHING, however seemingly insignifcant, ends up in their file at each Common App college that indicates interest in that particular institution. In other words, don't let colleges think that your decision to apply was made at the last minute and only because you could stick the handy-dandy application (that you'd already sent to nine other colleges a month ago) through the old Xerox machine one more time.

What do I mean by such an indication of interest? Well, obviously, if you're in the records as having visited the campus and/or had an interview, that's plenty. If not, do something like send a quickie e-mail that says, "I think your studio art major sounds unusual. Can a freshman with AP art credit take the Sculpture with Styrofoam class?" or, likewise, a note or e-mail can be sent that asks, "Now that I've applied, are there any events for prospective students being held in my area?"

Plenty of students get admitted to colleges every spring after doing nothing more than submitting a Common App. Yet, it never hurts (and takes almost no time )to let admission officers know that you've really given their school some thought during your college search.

By R Storm (Anonrs) on Saturday, April 20, 2002 - 06:35 pm: Edit

Our son sent individualized cover letters with the CA supplementals that not only updated his info but reaffirmed his personal interest in each college. He also stated in very clear language to his firsct choice school: "x-college is my first choice" and *why it was his first choice*. Though his other letters did not use "first choice" terminology, he certainly experssed his very great interest (and why). In all his letters, son also reiterated the many ways that he could and would give back to the school that he attended; that he saw college as a two-way street that would be mutually beneficial.
He was accepted at all his schools with some very nice merit offers.

By Roger (Roger) on Wednesday, May 29, 2002 - 04:57 pm: Edit

Note - discussion about reduced aid for applicants who say the college is their #1 choice moved to the Financial Aid Reduced by Enthusiasm thread.