How to Print Your Common App: A Quest for Paper in a Paperless World
So, you’ve conquered the Common App. You’ve written essays that would make Shakespeare weep, meticulously crafted your extracurriculars list, and even managed to squeeze in a few hours of sleep (maybe). Now, you’re itching to hold a physical copy of your creation, a tangible testament to your college application journey. You want to print the Common App, but alas, you’re met with a digital brick wall.
Spoiler alert: You can’t actually print your Common App in the traditional sense. Think of the Common App as a digital genie – you can summon it, but you can’t bottle it. The Common App is a paperless system, meaning you can’t print it and send it in by snail mail.
But why, you ask? Because the Common App is all about streamlining the college application process. It’s designed for efficiency, speed, and – most importantly – to prevent students from sending in multiple copies of the same application. It’s like trying to get a double order of fries at McDonald’s – they’ll just laugh at you (although a double order of fries is always a good idea, just saying).
So, what can you do? Well, fret not, my fellow applicant! While you can’t print the entire application, you can still get a digital version of it.
Navigating the Digital Maze: How to Get Your Common App in PDF Form
- The “Ready” Button: Once you’ve completed your Common App, you’ll see a big, green “Ready” button. This magical button is your key to the PDF kingdom.
- The Review and Submit Zone: Click that “Ready” button and head on over to the “Review and Submit” section. This is where you can generate a PDF of your completed application.
- The Download Icon: Look for the “Download” icon, usually a small arrow pointing down. Click it, and your PDF will be downloaded to your computer.
But wait! There’s a catch. The PDF doesn’t include everything. It’s like a sneak peek behind the curtain, showing you your responses to the Common App questions and college-specific questions. But it won’t reveal the secrets of your counselor forms or letters of recommendation. Those are kept separate, tucked away in a vault of digital secrecy.
The College’s Perspective: What Do They See?
Now, let’s talk about what the colleges actually see. They can choose to “suppress” certain information on their PDF of your application. It’s like a magic trick – they can make some parts disappear! They might choose to hide your test scores, for example, or any other information they deem unnecessary. But don’t worry, they still get all your answers, even the ones hidden from the PDF.
Printing for Yourself: Keeping a Record of Your Journey
While you can’t print your Common App for submission, you can definitely print it for yourself. It’s like keeping a diary of your college application adventure. You can print your PDF and relive your triumphs (and maybe cringe at your less-than-stellar writing) at your leisure.
The Common App: A Digital Beast
The Common App is a digital beast, a creature of the internet. It’s not something you can tame with a printer. But don’t despair! You can still get a digital copy of your application, and that’s all that really matters. Just remember, the Common App is all about efficiency and streamlining. It’s like a well-oiled machine, working tirelessly to get you into your dream college.
Need More Help?
If you need more help with the Common App or have any other college application questions, check out the JobLoving community. We’re a group of college application veterans (who have survived the Common App and are here to help you do the same). We’ve got tons of resources, tips, and advice – and we’re always happy to answer your questions. Don’t be afraid to reach out – we’re here to help you conquer the college application process.