Unprofessional appearance: College admissions officers handle hundreds of applications, and the first impression matters. Using a plain manila envelope can make your application appear less polished and professional compared to other applicants who use more formal envelopes.
Risk of damage: Manila envelopes are relatively thin and flimsy, which means they are more susceptible to damage during the mailing process. Bends, creases, or tears can occur, potentially compromising the integrity of your application materials.
Envelope stuffing guidelines: Many colleges provide specific envelope stuffing guidelines in their application instructions. These guidelines typically specify the type and size of the envelope to be used. Disregarding these guidelines can create a negative impression and could potentially delay the processing of your application.
Additional costs: Depending on the size and weight of your application materials, you may incur additional postage costs by using a manila envelope. College admissions offices generally prefer that applicants use standard business-sized envelopes, which typically require less postage.
To present a more professional and polished application, it is advisable to use a standard white or cream-colored business envelope. These envelopes are commonly used for professional correspondence and are more likely to create a favorable impression. Make sure the envelope is the appropriate size to accommodate your application materials comfortably and securely. Additionally, always refer to the specific envelope requirements provided by the colleges you are applying to to ensure that your application is presented as per their guidelines.