Wow Craig...great info! I'll be bringing my younger daughter out to NYC and Boston to see many of these schools later this fall. I'm printing out your advice.

Mine's looking at Columbia, Barnard, Brandeis, NYU, BU, Wellesley,and SUNY Purchase at the moment, with Reed and LMU her west coast backups.

Poor kids...I sat by as she was online downloading some of the apps. I didn't realize how much work it is just to fill out the forms nowadays! Not to mention the essays, and the work they have to do to qualify to go there.

Anyhow, thanks to all of you- Craig, designwright,jacqueline et al for taking the time to lead us!

Lucy

Many schools that have their own apps will also let you just file the Common Application, with perhaps a page of supplementary information. Much more efficient, and sometimes cheaper, too.

Don't praise/thank Craig too soon -- some of the places he cites have been closed for years, including the Computer Museum and the House of Blues.

While a great idea, the common app is not as simple as it sounds and it still takes a big chunk of time..especially since many schools just start with the common app and require other items to be sent in separately. One school we looked at required FOUR extra essays!

anon-I think you could have just pointed out out the changes without trying to shame another Fodorite... A lot of good info was conveyed, and trust me, I always verify business hours (and Hotel names) before I head out in this economy!
Lucy

Detailed info is not always good info. The Computer Museum didn't close during the current economy, it closed during the Clinton administration.

Since graduating from MIT in 1998, Mr. White has been busy in Brunei, in the South China Sea, traipsing about Hawaii and southeast Asia, and parenting little kids Colette (born Apr 4, 1999), Tucker (born Oct 24, 2002). Mr. White is trying to be helpful, but is really just reminiscing about his carefree single days.