Can You Submit the Common App Before Recommendations? (Spoiler Alert: You Can!)
Ah, the Common App. That glorious, yet sometimes agonizing, portal to your college dreams. It’s like a digital version of the Hogwarts Express, except instead of magical creatures, you’re dealing with essays, transcripts, and those dreaded letters of recommendation. And let’s be honest, those letters of recommendation can feel like they’re arriving at the speed of a sloth.
So, the question arises: can you submit your Common App before your recommenders submit their letters?
The short answer is a resounding YES! You absolutely can submit your Common App before your recommendations are in. But hold on, it’s not as simple as hitting the “submit” button and forgetting about it. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of what you need to know about submitting the Common App before those crucial letters arrive.
The Common App: A Symphony of Delays (Or, How Your Recommenders Become Your Personal Time-Warping Machines)
The Common App is a wonderful tool, but it can also feel like a black hole where your recommendations go to die. Don’t worry, they will eventually emerge, but they might take their sweet time.
You see, the Common App system is designed to accommodate the busy schedules of your recommenders (who may be, let’s say, slightly less enthusiastic about writing glowing letters than you are about getting accepted to your dream school). This means that they can submit their recommendations even after you’ve already submitted your application.
The Good News: You Have Time (Maybe a Little Too Much Time)
So, you can submit your application and then have your recommenders submit their letters. This gives you the freedom to get everything else in order – your essays, transcripts, test scores, etc. – without having to wait for your recommenders to catch up. It’s like a college application version of “Ready, Set, Go!” where you’re the first one out of the gate.
The Not-So-Good News: You Can’t Just Hit “Submit” and Forget About It
While you can submit your application before your recommendations are in, remember that it won’t be considered complete until at least two letters of recommendation have been submitted. That means you can’t just submit and then sit back and relax. You’ll need to stay in touch with your recommenders and make sure they’re on track to submit their letters.
Pro Tips for Keeping Your Recommender Game Strong:
- Don’t be a procrastinator: Encourage your recommenders to get started on their letters as soon as possible. Provide them with all the information and support they need, and set deadlines for yourself and them.
- Be a master of communication: Check in with your recommenders regularly to see how they’re progressing. Don’t be afraid to send friendly reminders or offer to help them gather any needed information.
- Don’t be afraid to nudge: If you’re getting close to a deadline and your recommenders are still lagging, politely ask if they need any assistance or if there’s anything you can do to help.
The Bottom Line: You’re in Control (But Don’t Be a Dictator)
Submitting your Common App before your recommendations are in is perfectly acceptable, and in fact, it’s often encouraged. But remember, it’s still crucial to stay on top of the process. Your application might be submitted, but it won’t be complete until those letters arrive.
Remember, you’re the conductor of this college application orchestra, and your recommenders are the musicians. Don’t be afraid to set the tempo and keep the music flowing, but also be respectful of their time and their roles.
Need more help with the Common App or your college application process? Join us at JobLoving, where we’re a community of college application experts ready to answer your questions and provide guidance. You’re not alone in this journey!