How to Change Application Date on Common App: A Guide for the Desperate (and the Forgetful)
So, you’ve just finished your Common App. You’ve poured your heart and soul into each essay, meticulously crafted your extracurricular list, and even managed to wrangle a decent recommendation from your long-suffering English teacher.
You hit “submit” with the triumphant air of a conquering hero. You even did a little celebratory dance in your pajamas.
But then, disaster strikes. You realize, with the crushing weight of a thousand regrets, that you accidentally put down the wrong application date.
Cue the existential crisis.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there. Maybe you were rushing, maybe you were distracted by a particularly captivating squirrel outside your window, or maybe you just have a deep-seated fear of dates. Whatever the reason, you’re now staring at a submitted Common App with a date that screams “I’m a time traveler from the future!” or perhaps “I’m clearly not a responsible human being.”
Fear not, my dear applicant, for all is not lost. There is still hope, a glimmer of light in this dark, date-related abyss.
But first, a reality check:
You can’t change a submitted application on the Common App itself. It’s a done deal, like a bad tattoo or a regrettable haircut. The only way to alter that date is to contact the admissions office of the college in question.
Think of it as a quest, a journey to right your date-related wrongs.
Here’s your quest guide:
The Email of Doom (or Hope, Depending on Your Perspective)
You’ll need to write an email to the admissions office. You’ll want to be polite, apologetic, and most importantly, clear and concise.
Here’s a template to get you started:
Subject: Urgent – Application Date Change Request – [Your Name] Dear Admissions Office, My name is [Your Name] and I recently submitted my application for [Program Name] for the [Year] admissions cycle. I am writing to request a change to my application date. I accidentally submitted my application with the date [Incorrect Date] instead of the correct date [Correct Date]. I understand this is my mistake, and I apologize for any inconvenience it may cause. I am committed to attending [College Name] and would be grateful if you could consider my request. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, [Your Name]
Important Note:
- Don’t try to be clever or funny. This is not the time for witty wordplay or elaborate metaphors. Keep it simple and to the point.
- Be prepared to explain the mistake. You might need to provide additional information, like the correct date, a brief explanation of the error, and a screenshot of your application submission page (if possible).
The Wait is Over (Or Maybe Not)
Now comes the waiting game. Admissions offices are busy, so be patient. You may not receive a response immediately.
If you don’t hear back within a reasonable time (7-10 business days), follow up with a polite email.
The Quest for a New Start Date
If you’re trying to change your intended start year, the process is slightly different.
Instead of emailing the college, you’ll need to log into your Common App account.
- Go to the “Education” section of the Common App tab.
- Scroll down to the “Future Plans” section.
- Select the correct start year.
Important Note: This only applies to changes made before you submit your application. Once it’s submitted, you’re stuck with the start year you selected.
The Decision Plan Debacle
Changing your decision plan (from Early Decision to Regular Decision, for example) is even trickier.
You can’t change it through the Common App once you’ve submitted your application.
You’ll need to contact the college directly.
- Call their admissions office. (Be prepared to wait on hold for a while.)
- Email them.
- Use the contact form on their website.
Be prepared to explain your reasons for wanting to change your decision plan. The college may have specific policies regarding such changes.
The Aftermath: A Tale of Triumph (or Maybe a Bit of a Disaster)
Hopefully, your quest for a date change will be successful.
The admissions office will update your application and you can breathe a sigh of relief.
But remember, there are no guarantees. The college may not be able to accommodate your request.
If your quest fails, don’t despair. There are still other colleges out there waiting for you.
The Common App: A Love-Hate Relationship
The Common App is a great tool for college applications. It makes the process easier and more efficient.
But it’s not perfect. It’s prone to glitches and errors (especially when you’re dealing with dates).
Remember, the Common App is just a tool. It’s not the end-all, be-all of your college application journey.
The most important thing is to be yourself, be authentic, and be prepared to work through any challenges.
Need More Guidance? Join the JobLoving Community
If you need further help, answers, or research resources about how to change the application date on the Common App, join the JobLoving community.
We have a supportive and knowledgeable team ready to assist you with all your college application needs.
We’re here to help you navigate the treacherous waters of college applications, one date change at a time.