Applying for college can be an exciting time for many younger adults and high school students. While many students in the past mailed paper applications to a prospective college, modern students are using their technology skills to submit college applications through the Internet. The following guide explores the benefits of applying to colleges online.
Understanding the Limits of Paper Applications
While paper college applications have been used by high school students for decades, they have several significant disadvantages over electronic applications. Paper applications can be difficult to keep in good condition. In addition, filling out an application by hand can create a sloppy or unprofessional appearance. Since a college application essay will most likely be typed, there’s not much sense in printing it out and then mailing it.
In addition, paper applications often have higher handling fees when compared to electronic applications. Since a college entrance employee will need to manually enter in a student’s information, there will usually be an increased cost for sending in a paper application. In addition, paper applications are more likely to contain critical errors and important omissions. Since a paper application can’t check itself for accuracy, the only way to make sure an application has been properly filled out is by reviewing by hand. This can be a headache-inducing and time-consuming experience for many high school students. In addition, it may be necessary for a parent to review a high school student’s application before it is mailed.
Paper applications can also be lost in the mail. While the United States Postal service is usually very reliable, there can be times when envelopes and packages don’t arrive. It is possible to send a college application via certified or registered mail. However, it can be expensive to purchase tracking for just a small envelope.
The Advantages of Electronic College Applications
Electronic college applications offer several significant benefits over paper applications. In addition to a lower cost, an electronic application can often provide decision results to a student in 72 hours. This can be a great way to speed up the college application process. In addition, electronic college applications are automatically checked for errors before submission. This can be an excellent way to make sure that important information isn’t being omitted from one’s application.
Electronic applications also provide better security and safety to both colleges and students. Since all information in an electronic college essay is encrypted before transmission, there’s no way that a third party can obtain an individual’s results. Since many college applications can include transcripts, it’s important to make sure one is using a secure solution.
In addition, electronic applications can provide a more professional appearance for a high school student. Since many young people have grown up on computers, they may not have excellent handwriting skills. While this can be a common problem for adults, poor handwriting on a college application may make one’s application look less desirable. Electronic applications offer many benefits over paper ones.
Cyndi Lake writes full-time for education blogs nationwide. She writes for www.gwu.edu where you can find out more about the best online criminal justice schools.
