Can You Edit the Common App After Submitting? (Spoiler Alert: It’s Complicated)
Let’s be honest, applying to college is a stressful process. You’re juggling deadlines, essays, recommendations, and maybe even a part-time job or two. It’s a recipe for disaster, and sometimes, mistakes happen.
So, what happens if you realize you’ve made a boo-boo on your Common App after you’ve hit that dreaded “submit” button? Can you edit it?
The short answer is: It’s a big ol’ “maybe.”
The Common App, for all its supposed user-friendliness, is as flexible as a brick wall when it comes to editing after submission. It’s like a one-way ticket – once you’ve boarded the train, you can’t jump off and make changes to your luggage.
Let’s break down the complexities of editing the Common App:
1. The “No Edits” Rule:
The Common App is incredibly upfront about its “no edits” rule. Once you click “submit”, the application is locked. It’s like a sealed time capsule, except instead of holding secrets, it holds your hopes and dreams (and maybe a few typos).
2. The “Contact the College” Exception:
But fear not, dear applicant! While the Common App itself won’t let you edit, the individual colleges might be more lenient. You can reach out to the college’s admissions office and explain your situation. They might allow you to submit a corrected application, or they might have a specific process for handling these situations.
Think of it as a secret handshake – you’re not allowed to edit the app directly, but you can whisper your changes to the college admissions office, who may be willing to help.
3. The “Unsubmit” Trick (For the Bold):
If you’re feeling adventurous (and a little desperate), you might be able to “unsubmit” your application. This option is only available under specific circumstances, such as if the college hasn’t downloaded your application yet.
You need to be quick and nimble like a ninja, because once the college downloads your application, you’re out of luck.
4. The “Future Submissions” Freedom:
Here’s where things get a little less restrictive. If you’re applying to multiple colleges, you can edit your Common App for the colleges you haven’t submitted to yet. Think of it as a “work in progress” draft for future applications.
5. The “Essay Edit” Utopia:
The Common App essay, that dreaded piece of writing that makes you question your entire life choices, is a little more forgiving. You can edit your essay after submission, as many times as you want, for the colleges you haven’t submitted to yet.
6. The “Activities” Update:
If you’ve done some amazing things since you submitted your application, you can update your activities section for future applications.
What You Can’t Edit After Submission:
- Your Application Status: You can’t change your mind about applying to a particular college after you’ve submitted your app.
- Your Recommendation Requests: Once you’ve sent out a recommendation request, you can’t retract it.
- Your Application Fee: You can’t get your application fee back.
So, What Can You Do?
- Be Prepared: Before you submit, double-check everything. Read your essays, your application information, and your supplemental materials carefully. It’s better to catch mistakes before you hit “submit.”
- Proofread, Proofread, Proofread: Have a trusted friend or family member look over your application before submitting. They might catch a mistake you missed.
- Know Your Deadlines: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. This will give you more time to catch any errors.
- Contact the Admissions Office: If you do make a mistake, don’t panic. Contact the college’s admissions office as soon as possible. They’ll be able to guide you through the process of making corrections.
The Common App: A Wild Ride:
The Common App is a complex beast. It’s designed to streamline the application process, but it can also be frustratingly inflexible when it comes to editing. The key is to be proactive, meticulous, and prepared.
Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time, proofread carefully, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you need it.
Need More Help?
If you’re still feeling lost in the labyrinth of the Common App, don’t hesitate to connect with us at JobLoving. Our team of experts is here to help you navigate the application process, from start to finish. We’re like your personal cheerleaders, but instead of screaming at you to run faster, we’ll guide you through the process with a smile and a helpful hand.