paper chase

noun

1. the effort to earn a diploma or college degree, especially in law, or a professional certificate or license.
2. the writing of assignments and reports, collecting of supporting documents, filling out of forms, and other paperwork necessary to obtain a college degree or a professional certificate or license, apply for financial aid or a bank loan, etc.
3. hare and hounds.

noun

1. a former type of cross-country run in which a runner laid a trail of paper for others to follow