these secondaries...

[LapisLazuli]

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when you guys send out secondaries that you print off the internet b/c they were never snail mailed (and consequently never folded), do you fold them to fit them into normal envelopes or do you leave them unfolded and slip them into large manila envelopes?

i fold them, but i was wondering what the consensus is. manila envelopes seem annoying and bulky. i imagine a bulky envelope would be a grotesque insult sitting next to a pile of letter envelopes in the adcom. this $hit is crazy, i cant believe i'm even worrying about this, but I AM. help!

 

[ice_23]

Lapis,

I always use a manila envelope unless the app is only one sheet or something (the certification form for WUSTL comes to mind). I don't think the manila folder is grotesque at all; in fact, I like the space on the front so I can put a "here's what this folder contains" on the lower right corner of the envelope and list what I have in the folder. I think it makes you look neat and organized, and when they pull out your app, it will sit neatly on the adcom's table (rather than folding up because of the double fold you had to put in it to fit it into the regular envelope!). 🙂🙂

Hope this helps!

-Ice

 

[LapisLazuli]

i feel crushed and defeated.

can anyone else drop some knowledge on this??

 

[GlcNac]

I also always use manila envelopes unless I'm just sending a certification form or check. I don't think it matters too much, but unfolded applications are probably marginally easier to read.

 

[LapisLazuli]

do you staple the pages together?

 

[Wardens]

A nice paper clip, attaching a check to a folded secondary. Guys, it really doesn't matter. Some of the envelopes they give you to send back your secondary are too small for it not to be folded. I think they know you're pretty on top of things just for getting through this admissions gauntlet.

 

[UCLAMAN]

i always used manila envelopes...bought a stack at office max.

In the end it really doesn't make a difference if you use business envelopes or manila envelopes.

But manila envelops are nice because you don't have to fold the paper work you are sending. With how much you are already spending on the app process, spending a bit more to mail out manila envelopes and getting a certificate of mailing for your correspondence isn't too bad. And yes, certificates of mailing are good. My first go around Vandy lost my secondary post interview. Fortunately I had proof that I mailed it. Needless to say...their error still didn't get me an acceptance to their school that year.

Oh ya...I used paper clips too. I figure some of the paperwork sent to schools may have to be separated anyways.

 

[calebho501]

I prefer Manila envelopes too, because I can never fold things neatly, plus I don't like seeing a super bulky white envelope, it just annoys me for some reason 😛

 

[gonakillmcat]

WOW.... a discussion on the type of paper clip one uses to send in the app?? C'mon guys i'm sure you guys will be fine no matter hwo you send in the app. I sent mine in a minella envelope ...and didn't care how it looked. I think they care more about your Stats, Essays, MCAT's, Interviews. Focus on those things.. and be CONFIDENT.. if a school doesn't accept me b/c of my envelope or paper clip type i think i'm really lucky.

 

[calebho501]

Originally posted by gonakillmcat
WOW.... a discussion on the type of paper clip one uses to send in the app?? C'mon guys i'm sure you guys will be fine no matter hwo you send in the app.

I think it's just one of those things that worries you for no reason because the whole admission process is anxiety-provoking.

As for paper-clip or staple, I'd go for staple if it's separate sheets of the same application, but will go for paper-clip for sheets that are not related (For example, the MD secondary and the MD/MPH essay). If they need to separate the paper for whatever reason, it's just easier that way

 

[Amy B]

I happen to send all mine in the thick and sturdy US mail priority envelops. Then I know they rarely are bent or damaged in the mail. And the schools get them in 2-3 days😀

 

[coachB]

you realize that priority mail is no different than regular first class mail? despite the ad campaign, the delivery time will be the same.

 

[Paws]

I bought a big box of white catalogue envelopes from Staples, plus the clear labels and a ton of .60 stamps.

I have a thing about the manilla and liked how the white looked; also, since there were 100 envelopes in the box if I messed one up I could grab another - no worries. $35. for everything.