FAQ 2: I don’t have access to a computer. Can I handwrite answers on a paper application?

ANSWER: Admissions offices do want you to use online applications; but if circumstances prevent you from doing that, they will accept a handwritten application. Of course, it makes sense for you to explain in an accompanying letter why you are sending them a hard copy application.

E. If Something Is Optional, Do It! Never Leave Anything Blank, Unless…

1. Since the content of your application is the only data admissions officers have to make their judgments, it is imperative that you take advantage of every single line, space, and question in order to make your case. The reasons for doing this are pretty simple: you don’t want to give the appearance of being lazy or uninterested.

2. If you don’t know the answer to a question, find out; don’t leave it blank. If you come upon a question that asks, “Is there anything else you want us to know?” answer it; don’t leave it blank either. This latter question is a perfect opportunity to tell the admissions people about a challenge you have faced, an unusual hobby you have undertaken, the reason your grades may have gone down one semester, or something unique or unusual about yourself.

3. Sometimes you need to be creative about how you answer questions. For example, if a question asks about your Honors in high school, and you have none of the standard ones (National Honor Society, placement on a national test, etc.), you could describe how very competitive your high school is, or how a teacher has singled you out to help teach a class, or how rigorous the requirements are for students to take AP courses at your school.

4. Whatever the question, the rule is fill it in, unless…you come upon a question that is not relevant to you (e.g., immigration status, foreign language spoken at home, relatives who have attended the college), then simply type in N/A, the standard abbreviation for “Not Applicable.”

F. Describe And Explain Everything

1. If there is room available, describe the various awards or activities that you identify on applications. Use action verbs to explain what the position is, e.g., “One of five major student body officers who meet weekly to plan and carry out school governance and activities.

2. Because most applications have limited space, sometimes it is necessary to use common abbreviations (e.g., ASB for Associated Student Body, VP for Vice President, 12 for Senior Year).

3. For some students, certain issues warrant detailed explanations. For example, it is not enough to identify that you have a learning or some other disability. In an essay or separate letter, you need to provide information that helps the admissions reader understand what you have, how it has affected you, and what you have done or are doing to deal with it.

4. It is especially important to explain anything negative that might show up in any part of the application. For example, if you think that your test scores do not reflect how smart you are, or how well you will do in college, then provide a well thought out explanation. If you received a poor grade one semester against the backdrop of otherwise excellent grades, don’t leave the issue there for admissions people to guess or interpret; explain what happened.