Should You Give Your Phone Number on the Common App? The College Admission Phone-a-thon You Didn’t Know You Were Part Of
So, you’re navigating the treacherous waters of college applications, and the Common App is asking for your phone number. You’re probably thinking, “Do I really need to give them my precious digits? What could they possibly use them for?” Well, buckle up, my friend, because we’re about to dive into the world of college admissions phone calls and the potential impact of your decision.
The Common App’s Phone Number Frenzy: What’s the Deal?
Firstly, let’s clarify that the Common App isn’t going to start spamming you with telemarketing calls about the latest college-themed phone cases. However, they do mention using “phone calls generated from an automated telephone dialing system or text messaging” in their “If you wish to be contacted via mobile phone, please provide your phone number” section.
You’re right to be cautious. The thought of getting a robo-call from your dream college about your acceptance (or denial) might be enough to send you running for the hills.
The Common App’s Official Stance: It’s All About Reaching You
Now, according to the Common App, their intention is to use your phone number for the following:
- “Reach you about your application.” This could mean contacting you for missing information, updates, or, yes, even those dreaded admission decisions.
- “Provide you with information about the Common App and its services.” This might involve updates about the platform, new features, or maybe even a friendly reminder about upcoming deadlines (because let’s face it, we all need those).
- “Provide you with information about college and career planning.” This could involve tips, resources, or even invitations to webinars that might be helpful in your journey to higher education.
The Fine Print: It’s Not Just About The Common App
But remember, the Common App is just the middleman. When you provide your phone number, you’re essentially giving permission to a whole host of colleges to potentially contact you. And that’s where things get a little more murky.
The “Reach You About Your Application” Clause: A Pandora’s Box of Possibilities
Think about it. Your phone number becomes a potential communication channel for all the colleges you apply to. That means you could be bombarded with calls about:
- Interview requests: If you’re a hotshot applicant, colleges might want to chat with you directly. This could be a great opportunity, or it could be an unwelcome interruption to your already chaotic life.
- Admissions decisions: Some colleges might decide to give you a personal call to announce your acceptance or denial. This could be a joyous moment, or it could be a stressful call received at the worst possible time.
- Financial aid updates: Colleges might use your phone number to reach out about financial aid packages, scholarships, or deadlines. This could be a relief, or it could be another stress-inducing reminder of your impending student loan debt.
The Parent Trap: Why They Want Your Parents’ Info
Now, let’s talk about those pesky parent email and phone number fields. The Common App usually asks for this information for a few reasons:
- Emergency contact: If something happens to you, colleges might need to reach your parents to inform them. This is a good thing, even if it might feel like a bit of a parental invasion.
- Communication: Some colleges might prefer to communicate with parents about their child’s application, especially for things like financial aid or admissions decisions. This could be a blessing or a curse depending on your relationship with your parents and their level of involvement in your college decisions.
- “Statistics purposes.” This is the Common App’s way of saying, “We’re curious about how we can better connect with parents and their college-bound offspring.”
The Dilemma: Phone or No Phone?
So, should you give your phone number? It’s a tough decision with no easy answer. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Stay informed: You’ll be in the loop about application updates, interview requests, and admissions decisions.
- Direct communication: You can ask questions directly to admissions officers and potentially get personalized feedback.
- Financial aid updates: You might be the first to know about scholarships or financial aid packages.
Cons:
- Spam calls: You could get bombarded with calls from colleges, even if you’re not interested.
- Stressful notifications: You might receive unwelcome news about your admissions decision via phone call, adding to the stress of the college application process.
- Privacy concerns: Some people feel uncomfortable giving their phone number to a third-party platform like the Common App.
The Bottom Line: It’s Your Call (Literally)
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to give your phone number on the Common App is up to you. If you’re comfortable with the potential for more communication from colleges, go for it. If you’d prefer to keep your phone number private and manage your college application communications through email or the Common App portal, then stick with that.
Tips for Making the Decision:
- Consider your communication preferences: Do you prefer to be contacted by phone, email, or both?
- Think about your stress levels: How much can you handle in terms of communication from colleges?
- Evaluate your privacy concerns: Are you comfortable sharing your phone number with a third-party platform?
A Final Word:
The college application process is stressful enough without the added pressure of unwanted phone calls. If you choose to provide your phone number, be prepared for the possibility of more communication from colleges. If you decide to leave it out, make sure you stay on top of your emails and the Common App portal to avoid missing important updates.
Need Further Help?
If you have more questions about the Common App, your phone number, or anything else related to college applications, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at JobLoving. We’re here to help you navigate the treacherous waters of college admissions and find your perfect match.