Can You Remove a College From Common App After Applying? (Spoiler Alert: It’s Tricky)
Alright, listen up, future college students! You’re in the thick of it, navigating the treacherous waters of the Common App, and you’ve got a burning question: Can you remove a college from Common App after applying?
The short answer is no, you can’t remove a college from the Common App list after you’ve submitted your application.
Think of it like this: You’ve mailed a love letter to your crush. Can you un-mail it? Nope. The Common App works the same way – once that application is sent, it’s out there in the world, waving its little digital flag.
But hold on, there’s more to this story. Just because you can’t delete a college from your Common App list doesn’t mean you’re stuck with your choices forever. Let’s break down the situation and explore your options.
The Common App: Your College Application BFF (or Maybe More Like a Strict Aunt?)
The Common App is a lifesaver, right? It lets you apply to a whole bunch of colleges using one application, saving you from a mountain of paperwork and existential dread. But, like any good friend, the Common App has its quirks.
The Common App’s “After You Submit” Rules: A Quick Recap
- You can remove a college BEFORE submitting your application. This is like deciding you don’t want to send that love letter after all. You can hit the “delete” button, no problem.
- You can’t remove a college AFTER submitting your application. This is like realizing you wrote a typo in your love letter and wanting to yank it back. The Common App, in its infinite wisdom, won’t let you.
- You can re-add a college you’ve removed. This is like finding the lost love letter and sending it again, with a new, perfectly spelled message.
- You can’t undo your application once it’s submitted. This is like the love letter being delivered, and your crush reading it (hopefully with joy, not horror).
So, What Happens If You REALLY Need to Back Out?
Okay, so you’ve submitted your application, and now you’ve had a change of heart. You’ve realized that college is actually a trap (kidding, kind of), or maybe you’ve found a new, even more amazing college that you want to pursue.
Here’s what you’ve got to do:
- Contact the College Directly: You need to be the one to break the news to the college that you’re bailing. This is where your polite email skills come in handy. Don’t just ghost them!
- Be Honest and Clear: Explain your situation to the admissions office. They’ve probably seen it all, so be upfront about why you’re changing your mind.
- Follow Their Instructions: Each college has its own process for withdrawing applications. It might be a specific form, an email address, or even a phone call. Make sure you follow their instructions carefully.
The Common App’s “Withdraw” Feature: A Mythical Beast
You might think the Common App has a convenient “withdraw” button, like a magical undo button for your application. Sadly, this is not the case. The Common App isn’t a time machine, and it can’t erase your application history. You have to go through the college directly.
Why Are There So Many Rules? (And Why Does My Life Feel Like a Bureaucracy?)
Think of it this way: The Common App is like a big, busy party. Colleges are invited to this bash, and they’re looking for interesting people to hang out with. When you submit your application, it’s like giving your RSVP. You’ve said, “Yes, I’ll be there!” Now, imagine trying to un-RSVP after the party has started. It’s kind of disruptive, right?
The Bottom Line: The Common App Doesn’t Play Around
The Common App is a powerful tool, and it definitely has its own rules. While it can be frustrating, it’s all in the name of keeping the college application process organized and fair.
What Can You Learn From This?
- Don’t rush into applications: Take your time, do your research, and make sure you’re truly ready to commit before submitting your application.
- Communication is key: If you need to withdraw an application, be honest and reach out to the college directly.
And remember, even though the Common App can seem like a bureaucratic monster sometimes, it’s there to help you get into the college of your dreams!
Need More Help? Connect With Us!
If you have more questions about the Common App or anything else related to college applications, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at the JobLoving community! We’re always here to help you navigate the ups and downs of the college application process.