Facebook application lets you apply to college

Something just feels off about the new Facebook app from Embark.

Called College Planner, this widget lets prospective college students research schools and then apply to them without actually leaving their Facebook profiles. You can also see which people on your friends list are interested in the same schools.

Applying to college through Facebook. A little weird, isn't it?

(Credit: Embark)

I like to think that it wasn't all that long ago that I was applying to colleges.The world was "wired" enough so that most of my application forms were downloaded off the Internet, but I don't recall actually submitting any online.

Online applications, I suppose, have been thoroughly destigmatized (back in my day, there was still the concern that an electronic application wouldn't be taken as seriously as a paper one), but it's still a bit ironic to be applying to college through a site that's best known as an addictive procrastination hub.

What really stands out about "social college applications" is that many people I knew (not all, obviously) were fiercely private about where they were applying, especially if the school was a "reach." Then again, this was before high schoolers were eagerly exposing their souls on MySpace.com profiles, so perhaps privacy is no longer sacred.

No, actually, now I think I know what's unnerving about the Embark application. It's the fact that this is a Facebook application that actually could be useful. Zombies and FluffFriends, beware!

(Via AllFacebook.com.)

[MSSlayer]

Are universities involved and supporting it?

Otherwise, letting an online, third party handle your application is a good way to not get accepted.

[collegetoolkit]

Another College Search Option

http://apps.facebook.com/collegetoolkit

We have a college search on Facebook that allows users to search for college using a dozen criteria at once. We also allow you to view other users interested in the same colleges and see who else from your high school is using the College Toolkit app.

We provide in-depth college profiles right on Facebook, giving users access to admissions criteria, SAT scores, and more. Students can even request information from the schools.

[collegechicabrit]

http://apps.facebook.com/whataremychances/

Here's another similar tool...

Before buying that collegian sweatshirt, get a sneak peek at how your application stacks up! This tool instantly calculates your current acceptance odds at any US college based on the academic info you plug in! Check it out!