The Common App: A Love-Hate Relationship (and How to Fix Your Mistakes)
Let’s face it, the Common App is a beast. It’s like trying to navigate a labyrinth of confusing questions, essay prompts that make you question your life choices, and a never-ending list of colleges that somehow all have different requirements.
But what happens when you make a mistake?
You accidentally filled in your SAT score as your GPA, or you totally forgot to add that extracurricular activity that you were totally obsessed with.
Don’t panic! It’s not the end of the world. You’re not the first (and definitely not the last) to make a mistake on the Common App.
Here’s the truth: The Common App is a bit like a high-maintenance friend who always makes you feel stressed even though you kind of like them. But hey, at least it’s not as bad as the SATs. (If you can find someone who actually enjoys the SATs, please send them my way. I need to know their secret.)
So, how do you fix those pesky Common App errors?
Let’s break it down, one section at a time:
How Do I Completely Remove a Recommender from the Common App?
This one’s a bit tricky. Remember, you can’t unassign recommenders if the application and/or recommendation have already been submitted.
Think of it this way: Once you hit “submit,” it’s like sending a letter without an envelope. It’s out there, and you can’t really get it back.
If you need to remove a recommender before submitting, you can do it by going to the Recommenders and FERPA section for the desired school and clicking the trash can icon next to their name.
To be honest, though, it’s probably easier to just talk to them directly and apologize. They’ll probably understand, especially if you offer to buy them coffee. (Or maybe a fancy latte, because let’s be real, recommenders deserve a little extra caffeine for putting up with this application process.)
How Do I Unsubmit on the Common App?
You’ve clicked “submit” and now you’re staring at the screen, wondering how you’re going to explain your mistake to the admissions officer.
Spoiler alert: You can’t unsubmit the Common App.
It’s like that embarrassing dance move you did in 7th grade: You can’t rewind time.
To withdraw your application, you’ll have to contact the program directly and explain your situation. They might be understanding, but they might also be like, “Dude, you can’t just unsubmit your app.” You might have to send them a heartfelt apology letter, or maybe a slightly embarrassing video of you doing the “chicken dance” (just kidding… maybe).
Can I Change an Answer on Common App After Submitting?
This is where things get a little more flexible. You can actually go back and change your answers to any question in the Common App tab for future submissions.
Think of it like editing a blog post. You can always go back and tweak it, but once you hit “publish,” those changes only affect the future. The original version is still out there.
So, if you realize you accidentally put “pizza” instead of “poetry” as your favorite activity, you can change it.
But remember, the changes won’t affect applications that you have already submitted. So, if you’re trying to fix a mistake on a specific application, you’ll have to reach out to the college directly.
How Do I Remove a College from My Common App List?
This is one of the easiest fixes. Just follow these two simple steps:
- Log into your Common App account and click on the DASHBOARD tab.
- Click on the “X” in the upper right corner of the college you want to remove.
It’s like deleting a contact on your phone, but less messy.
Just make sure you’re not removing a college you actually want to apply to. You don’t want to end up in a situation like that one scene in “Mean Girls” where Cady Heron accidentally removes her name from the “Plastics” list.
Common App: The Quest for Perfection (or at Least, Not Embarrassing Yourself)
The Common App is a lot like a game of “Tetris.” You have to fit all those questions, essays, and activities into the right place without making a single mistake.
And sometimes, you just get that one block that doesn’t quite fit. You can try to force it in, but it’s better to just accept that mistakes happen.
Here are some tips to help you avoid Common App disasters:
- Proofread carefully. You’d be surprised how many typos and errors can sneak through.
- Use a Grammarly or other online grammar checker. Because, let’s be real, we all need a little help sometimes.
- Ask a friend or family member to review your application. An extra pair of eyes can catch things you might have missed.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are tons of resources available, including the Common App support team.
And most importantly, remember to breathe. The application process is stressful, but it’s not the end of the world. You’ll get through it!
Need More Help?
Remember, everyone makes mistakes. If you’re still feeling lost or confused about the Common App, reach out to the JobLoving community for support.
Together, we can conquer this beast (and maybe even learn a dance move or two along the way).