Ahh...applications. We apply for all types of things, from credit cards, to loans, to college. How it's changed - for the better - over the past twenty years.

I remember twenty years ago filling out college applications. The process was lengthy - hours in-fact - just to send off one application. The process, if you can imagine, was done mostly by typewriter and hand as computers were just beginning to pop into homes but were by no means mainstream.

Now, applications are streamlined on both ends. Let me explain. With all the data out there today, businesses, or schools in this example, can target individuals based on various criteria. Perhaps based on geographic location, GPA - and a wealth of other data.

Based on this data, schools can pre-populate the applications automatically and send out a mostly-complete application to a prospective student - much like a credit card application. The student just needs to fill in the blanks - saving much time. Add to this that many schools waive the application fee - and students need to do not much more than sign at the dotted line, seal an envelope and drop back into the mailbox.

It's easy - to say the least. But ultimately, this efficiency is necessary for schools - as well as banks and credit card offers - because there's simply a ton of competition. Consumers, and prospective students, have a choice from thousands of schools, lenders - you name it. So making it easy on the prospect is the easiest way for them to generate leads and potential customers.

With Waived Fees and Express Processing, College Applications Emulate Credit Card Companies
http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/25/fastapps/

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