The Common App: A Love-Hate Relationship (or How to Re-Apply Without Losing Your Mind)
Let’s face it, college applications are a stressful experience. You’re juggling essays, standardized tests, and extracurriculars while simultaneously trying to maintain a semblance of sanity. And then there’s the Common App – that glorious, all-encompassing portal that promises to simplify your life but often just adds another layer of complexity.
But what happens when you’ve submitted your application, the deadline has passed, and you realize – you need to apply again? Cue the existential dread. It’s like getting halfway through a marathon, only to realize you forgot to lace up your shoes.
Fear not, dear reader! It’s not the end of the world. Re-applying through the Common App is possible, and it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Here’s a guide to navigate this treacherous path, with a healthy dose of humor, sarcasm, and maybe a few existential crisis tips along the way.
The Common App: A Tale of Two Cycles
The Common App is a bit like a fickle friend – sometimes it’s a lifesaver, and sometimes it’s a source of endless frustration. It’s designed to be a one-and-done experience, but sometimes life throws you a curveball, and you find yourself needing to reapply.
Why Re-Apply?
There are a few reasons why you might need to re-apply through the Common App:
- You want to apply to different colleges. Maybe you’ve changed your mind about your dream school, or you’ve discovered a hidden gem you hadn’t considered before.
- You want to apply for a different program. Perhaps you’ve decided to pursue a different major or you’re looking to enroll in a different academic year.
- You want to update your application. Sometimes you might need to make changes to your application after submitting it, for example, if you’ve achieved a new academic award or if you want to add a new extracurricular activity.
- You’re a transfer student. If you’re transferring from one college to another, you’ll likely need to re-apply through the Common App.
The Re-Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s be honest, the re-application process can be a little confusing. It’s like trying to assemble IKEA furniture while simultaneously trying to understand the instructions in a language you don’t quite speak. But fear not, we’ll break down the process into manageable steps:
- Log In and Confirm
The first step is to log in to your Common App account. Once you’re in, you’ll be greeted by a welcome screen that will ask you to confirm your desire to re-apply. Think of this as your moment of truth, your chance to double-check that you’re truly ready to embark on this journey again. Click “Start Reapplication” and brace yourself for the whirlwind to come.
- Double-Check Your Profile
After you’ve confirmed your re-application, take a moment to review your profile information. Ensure that your contact information, including your email address and phone number, is up-to-date. You don’t want to miss out on any important updates or admissions decisions because of a typo.
- Copy, Paste, and Pray
Now comes the fun part: deciding whether to copy your previous application data. The Common App lets you copy your application from a previous cycle to the current one. This can be a real time-saver, especially if you’ve made only minor changes to your application. However, remember that once you make your selection, you cannot go back. So choose wisely!
If you’re thinking about copying your application, make sure you review it carefully. You’ll want to ensure that your essays and activities are still relevant and that your information is accurate. It’s best to avoid the “copy-and-paste-without-checking” trap, unless you’re prepared for a potential admissions officer eye-roll.
- The Waiting Game
Once you’ve submitted your re-application, all that’s left to do is wait. This is the part where patience becomes your best friend. You’ll be anxiously checking your email for updates, wondering if your re-application will be accepted. Try to distract yourself with something productive and fulfilling, like watching paint dry or counting sheep. It’s just a matter of time.
The Fine Print: What You Need to Know About Re-Applying
- You can only submit an application to a college once per application cycle. This means that if you’ve already submitted your application, you can’t simply resubmit it with minor tweaks. You’ll need to contact the college’s admissions office directly to see how they want you to proceed.
- You can apply to the same college twice during different application cycles. So if you’re not happy with your previous application, you can always try again in the next application cycle.
- If you withdraw your application, you may be able to re-apply. However, you can only withdraw your application if it does not yet have a “Complete” status. If you’ve already submitted your application, you’re probably stuck with it.
The Bottom Line: Re-Applying is Possible, But It’s Not Easy
Re-applying through the Common App can be a challenging experience, especially if you’re already feeling overwhelmed by the college application process. But it’s possible, and it can be a worthwhile endeavor if you’re truly passionate about attending a particular school.
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Reach out to friends, family, or your guidance counselor for support. And don’t be afraid to contact the admissions offices of the colleges you’re applying to if you have any questions. They’re there to help!
Need Help Navigating the Common App Re-Application Maze?
Still feeling lost in the labyrinth of the Common App re-application process? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Join our JobLoving community, where you can connect with other students, experts, and mentors who can provide guidance, support, and (hopefully) some much-needed humor. We’ll help you navigate the Common App, write killer essays, and conquer those standardized tests – one step at a time.