Can You Change Your Written Evaluation on the Common App? (Spoiler Alert: It’s Complicated)
So, you’ve just submitted your Common App, and that feeling of relief is quickly replaced by a wave of panic: you just realized you forgot to mention your amazing achievements in competitive underwater basket weaving. You’re wondering, “Can I change my written evaluation on the Common App? What about those pesky typos in my essay?”
Fear not, dear applicant, this is a tale of hope and a little bit of college admissions bureaucracy. The answer, as with most things in life, is a resounding “It depends.”
The Common App: A Monument to Bureaucracy
Let’s break down the Common App, a beast of an application that’s both a blessing and a curse for college hopefuls. It’s like a multi-level marketing scheme, but instead of selling questionable essential oils, it promises access to your dream university.
The Common App is designed to streamline the college application process, allowing you to apply to multiple colleges with one application. This is great, except for those moments when you realize you’ve made a mistake.
The Written Evaluation: The Holy Grail of College Admissions
Now, let’s talk about the written evaluation, the mystical document that holds the key to your acceptance. This is the part where your teachers, counselors, and other esteemed figures wax poetic about your academic prowess, leadership skills, and the time you single-handedly saved a kitten from a tree.
The written evaluation can be a double-edged sword. You can’t change it after it’s submitted, and it carries more weight than your average essay. Think of it like the ultimate “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” from the people who know you best.
The Game of College Applications: Can You Change the Rules?
So, can you change your written evaluation after submitting your Common App?
The short answer is: No, you can’t directly edit the written evaluation. Once those recommendations are submitted, they’re locked in like a vault in Fort Knox.
The good news is: you can contact the college. If you’re desperate to correct a glaring error in your evaluation, your best bet is to reach out to the college’s admissions office.
Here’s the catch: They may or may not be willing to make changes. Some colleges might be more lenient than others, but it’s always a gamble.
The “It Depends” Factor: A College Admissions Mystery
The rule of thumb is to always contact the college directly. They’re the ones who ultimately decide whether or not to accept your application, and they’re the ones who have the power to make exceptions.
Remember: Each college has their own unique set of rules and procedures. What works for one college might not work for another.
The Common App’s “Submit and Forget” Policy
The Common App isn’t exactly known for its flexibility. It’s like a rigid, unyielding robot that doesn’t understand the pain of human error.
Once you hit that “submit” button, it’s like throwing a message in a bottle and hoping it washes ashore on the right island.
The “Oops, I Made a Mistake” Scenario: A Case Study
Let’s say you accidentally submitted your Common App with the wrong SAT scores. Your heart sinks. You’re sure your college dreams are crumbling before your very eyes.
Fear not! The admissions office is a sanctuary of hope. Contact them immediately, explain your situation, and provide the correct scores. Don’t be afraid to apologize and explain yourself.
Remember, you’re not the first applicant to make a mistake, and you won’t be the last. Colleges understand that, and they’re usually more than willing to help.
The “I Need to Add Extracurricular Activities” Dilemma
You’ve got an impressive list of extracurricular activities, but you’ve only included half of them on your Common App. You feel like you’ve missed a golden opportunity.
The Common App is designed to be a comprehensive document, so adding new activities after you’ve submitted it is a no-no. However, you can always send an email to the admissions office explaining your situation and asking if you can provide additional information.
The “I Forgot to Mention My Nobel Prize” Tragedy
Okay, maybe you haven’t won a Nobel Prize. But let’s say you’ve achieved something truly remarkable that you forgot to mention on your application.
In this case, it’s best to simply explain yourself. Send a polite email to the admissions office, providing details about your accomplishment and explaining why you didn’t include it in your original application.
What To Do If You Need to Make Changes
So, you’ve discovered a mistake in your Common App. What should you do?
- Don’t panic. Mistakes happen. Take a deep breath and gather your thoughts.
- Contact the college’s admissions office immediately. Explain your situation clearly and concisely.
- Provide any supporting documentation. If you need to submit corrected information, do so promptly.
- Follow up. Make sure you receive a confirmation from the admissions office that they have received your message and are taking your request into consideration.
The Written Evaluation: A Reminder of Your Journey
The written evaluation is a testament to your hard work and dedication. It’s a chance for your teachers and counselors to share their insights about you as a student and a person.
While you can’t change the past, you can always learn from your mistakes. The college application process is a marathon, not a sprint, and even if you stumble along the way, you can always get back on track.
The Common App: A Love-Hate Relationship
The Common App is a necessary evil for college applicants. It’s a tool that can help you reach your goals, but it can also be a source of stress and frustration.
Remember, the college application process is about more than just your grades and test scores. It’s about showing colleges who you are as a person, what you’re passionate about, and why you’re a good fit for their community.
The Final Word: Don’t Stress
If you’ve made a mistake on your Common App, don’t despair. Most colleges are understanding and willing to work with you.
Just remember to communicate clearly and promptly. The worst thing you can do is ignore the issue and hope it goes away.
Need further help, advice, or research resources about the Common App and written evaluations? Head over to the JobLoving community! We’re here to help you navigate the college application process with a smile (and maybe a little sarcasm).