This is way too stupid to put in GQ.
I am sending out my law school applications tomorrow. How many 8.5 * 11 pages can I fit into a business-sized envelope and still use only one stamp?
Probably 3. I think it’s four regular sheets, so legal size, maybe 3.
I’ve gotten away with stuffing in almost as much paper as an envelope can hold and still using only one stamp. I guess it depends on how anal your post office is.
First Class Mail:
First ounce–33¢
Each add’l oz–22¢
If its going to be heavier, get a free priority mail box and two pounds is $3.20.
**Boscibo ** suggested: “If its going to be heavier, get a free priority mail box and two pounds is $3.20.”
I have to agree with Boscibo on this one. However I suggest you go with the 12 1/2" x 9 1/2" flat-rate Priority Mail envelope (instead of a Priority Mail box) even if you don’t have two pounds worth of paperwork. Your application will get there sooner, and in better shape from having been in the stiff envelope. If you DO have more than two pounds worth of paperwork, a) where the heck are you applying to that requires that much in hard copy, and b) if you use the flat-rate envelope it’s $3.20 no matter how much it weighs (as long as you can get everything to fit).
I’m with baglady, Drain. If you don’t have a scale that weighs ounces, it’s the safest bet.
I feel for you, what an annoying process to be involved in.
Most 8.5" x 11" paper that I have used will get 5 pages for a business envelope and still weigh an ounce. Each page (of the types I’ve used) weighs about .15 ounce. Depending upon how heavy your envelope is, you might actually get 6–but 5 for sure.
But I’m so late in arriving you’ve probably already found out all you need to know anyway.
I’m not about to go for the Priority Mail rates for the amount of applications I’m sending out. As is, I used something like 12 stamps–none of them were less than five pages.
On a related note–they’re all out, so wish me luck.
Agree 100% with Mjollnir. This has been my experience as well.
Good luck, Drain Bead! 