A number of colleges and universities choose to use a common application. Check with the school you are applying to whether or not you need to complete a common application and/or the school's application.

Download the Common Application (Mac or Windows) from the College Guide (hosted by the National Association of Secondary School Principals).
The Common Application used for 230 selective colleges and universities.
Yahoo! Directory of online applications for individual colleges and universities as listed.
View school's profile, apply online with official application and have option of e-mailing the school (hosted by The Princeton Review).
Writing your essay: "Get a jump start on your admissions essay." Tips on writing your college essay (The Princeton Review). Portraying yourself in a dynamic, honest way through your college essay (Peterson's).

The Pros and Cons of Applying Online:
Pros:
· speeds and simplifies the process of sending and receiving mail from overseas
· enters common information on all applications
· eliminates using a typewriter and having messy corrections
· provides quick and easy access
· creates a personal record and simplifies tracking your application
· facilitates applying for financial aid, scholarships, and housing
· establishes an e-mail link to the admissions office
Cons:
· repeated updating of password for privacy of information
· periodic technical problems on the Web
· availability of financial information such as credit card numbers
· duplication of effort because many colleges require a paper copy of your application
         (or you may want a printout so your counselor can review it before you submit it)
· transcripts and letters of recommendation must be mailed separately

For whichever method you decide to use, be sure to carefully follow instructions throughout the application process and save all the information you have submitted (on disk or on paper).

(adapted from Kenneth E. Hartman's "Internet Guide for the College-Bound Student")