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Hey, bit of a petty question...

Columbia says it "strongly urges" applicants to apply online. I was planning on applying through paper...I'm just more comfortable that way (I had a paper-filled childhood, don't ask.)

Does Columbia really care? Will my chances of admission be lower if I apply via paper? Does "strongly urges" really mean "you better if you know what's good for you you dumbass?"

By Crazybug (Crazybug) on Friday, August 13, 2004 - 07:18 am: Edit

If you apply on paper, they'll scan it in when they consider it in committee. Everything's done electronically in Columbia's admissions office.

Do yourself (and them) a favor and apply online.

By Deerhunter (Deerhunter) on Friday, August 13, 2004 - 04:59 pm: Edit

Thanks for your help Crazybug.

By Godis (Godis) on Friday, August 13, 2004 - 05:10 pm: Edit

if they really didn't want the paper version, they wouldn't offer it. do whatever you feel more comfortable with. i did the paper one.

By Deerhunter (Deerhunter) on Friday, August 13, 2004 - 10:01 pm: Edit

Godis, did you use a typewritter? Or did you print it out on your computer, and cut and paste? If you cut and paste, what font/size did you use? Hope this isn't getting too petty...

By Number9 (Number9) on Friday, August 13, 2004 - 11:08 pm: Edit

It's best to go with: Times New Roman/Arial/Verdana/Tahoma 12 pt. I listed those fonts in order of most preferred. Its really best to go with TNR.

But really, just don't go with Kristen ITC or Comic Sans or something.

By Godis (Godis) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 01:13 am: Edit

i downloaded a free trial of adobe acrobat professional and just typed the stuff in. i believe the font was arial 12.

By Godis (Godis) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 01:13 am: Edit

i downloaded a free trial of adobe acrobat professional and just typed the stuff in. i believe the font was arial 12.

By Deerhunter (Deerhunter) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 03:34 pm: Edit

Clever idea; thanks for your help Godis.

By Soulofheaven8 (Soulofheaven8) on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 05:16 pm: Edit

I handwrote my paper application (a few white-outs also).

By Prima_Donna (Prima_Donna) on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 04:23 pm: Edit

I read "A is for Admissions" about getting into Ivy League schools and it recommended handwriting and using paper applications. It said a few white-outs weren't a bad thing, too. Now I feel confused....

By Yugekorb (Yugekorb) on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 04:35 pm: Edit

If you handwrite it, is it better to use pen or pencil. I can't find it on the apps (not just CU's).

I read somewhere that if you apply online, then you get less space for your essays. Is this true? I can write pretty small and can get about 200 words on the 7 1/2 lines for the "Why Columbia" essay. Thanks

By Number9 (Number9) on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 08:39 pm: Edit

Why Columbia is not an essay; its a short answer.

If you are going to do anything on a document that carries importance, and you choose to handwrite, always use blue or black ink. Never pencil.

By Andy7733 (Andy7733) on Wednesday, August 18, 2004 - 11:51 pm: Edit

And make sure that your letters of recommendation and etc. are sent in a big envelope, so that there aren't any creases from folding.

They stress this on the app, as I recall.

By Candi1657 (Candi1657) on Thursday, August 19, 2004 - 12:55 pm: Edit

"Does 'strongly urges' really mean 'you better if you know what's good for you you dumbass?'"

LMAO...

By Yugekorb (Yugekorb) on Monday, August 23, 2004 - 06:02 am: Edit

The online app is out now.

By Invalidusername (Invalidusername) on Monday, August 23, 2004 - 10:31 pm: Edit

I handwrote my application. my handwriting is nigh illegible. it had coffee stains. there were smudge marks and whiteout marks. i got in. some of you need to chill. good luck

By Number9 (Number9) on Tuesday, August 24, 2004 - 02:31 am: Edit

My old trig teacher would get coffee stains on our papers. That really irked me.

Maybe I should do the old AP-test trick of taping money in with the app...hah.

By Deerhunter (Deerhunter) on Tuesday, August 24, 2004 - 09:17 pm: Edit

Worked for me.