How To Change Common App Time Zone

The Common App Time Zone Conundrum: Why You Should Ditch the “11:59 PM” Myth and Embrace the Power of Proactive Planning

You’re staring at your computer screen, the clock ticking ominously as the Common App deadline looms. You’ve meticulously crafted essays, carefully selected recommendations, and even managed to avoid a caffeine-fueled meltdown. But a nagging question lingers: What about the dreaded time zone issue?

The Short Answer: The Common App uses US Eastern Time (ET) for its timestamps and deadlines, but you submit your application by 11:59 PM in your local time zone on the deadline date.

But Hold On! The Common App’s time zone intricacies can be a recipe for stress, especially if you’re not familiar with the finer points of application deadlines. Let’s dissect this tangled web of time zones and deadlines with a healthy dose of humor and sarcasm, because honestly, who needs more stress in their college application journey?

The Common App’s Time Zone Tango: A Guide to Navigating the Deadline Maze

Think of it this way: The Common App is like a global party where everyone’s invited, but the party starts at a specific time based on your location, not the party host’s. It’s like being invited to a midnight party, but you can arrive anytime before midnight in your time zone.

Remember, the Common App is your gateway to a world of possibilities (and a world of time zones). But here’s the kicker: The Common App doesn’t care about your time zone, it cares about the college’s time zone. That’s right, you’re playing by the college’s rules, not the Common App’s.

Here’s the breakdown:

• The Common App uses ET (US Eastern Time) for timestamps and deadlines.
• You submit your application by 11:59 PM in your local time zone.

But here’s where it gets interesting:

• The college’s deadline is still 11:59 PM in their time zone.

Think of it like this: If you’re applying to a college in California and the deadline is 11:59 PM in their time zone, and you’re in New York, you have to submit your application by 2:59 AM in your time zone!

So, how do you avoid a time zone-induced meltdown?

1. Embrace the Power of Proactive Planning: Don’t wait until the last minute – research the deadline dates and times for each college you’re applying to.
2. Time Zone Conversion Is Your New Best Friend: Use a time zone converter to figure out the exact deadline time in your local time zone.
3. Don’t Be a Time Zone Fool: Remember that the Common App timestamp is in ET, but your deadline is in your local time zone.
4. The 11:59 PM Myth: Don’t get caught up in the “11:59 PM” myth. It’s better to submit your application well before the deadline to avoid any potential issues.
5. Ask for Help: If you’re still confused, reach out to the college’s admissions office. They’re there to help!

The Common App’s Time Zone Tango: A Comedy of Errors

The Common App’s time zone system can feel like a tangled ball of yarn, but it doesn’t have to be a source of stress. Here are some real-life examples of how the Common App’s time zone system has caused confusion and chaos:

• The “I Missed the Deadline” Syndrome: One student, let’s call him John, was convinced that the 11:59 PM deadline was in his local time zone. He submitted his application at 11:59 PM, only to realize the next morning that the college’s deadline was 11:59 PM in their time zone, which was hours earlier. John was devastated, but hey, at least he had a good story to tell at the next college party.
• The “I’m So Smart, I’ll Submit Early” Syndrome: Another student, let’s call her Sarah, thought she was being clever by submitting her application early, at 9:00 PM in her time zone. She thought she was giving herself a buffer of time, but in reality, she submitted her application 3 hours before the actual deadline. Sarah was a little bit disappointed that she didn’t get to bask in the thrill of a last-minute submission, but hey, at least she got it in on time.

Avoiding Time Zone Tragedy: A Practical Guide to College Application Success

The Common App’s time zone system might seem confusing, but it’s not a mystery you can’t solve. Here’s a practical guide to help you navigate the deadline maze:

• Create a Time Zone Cheat Sheet: Make a list of the colleges you’re applying to, along with their time zones and deadline dates.
• Use a Time Zone Converter App: There are numerous time zone converter apps available for your smartphone or computer.
• Don’t Forget About Daylight Saving Time: Remember that daylight saving time can shift time zones, so make sure you factor that into your calculations.
• Set Reminders: Set reminders on your phone or calendar to submit your applications well before the deadlines.
• Stay Organized: Keep all of your application materials in a central location, and make sure you have everything you need before you submit.

The Common App Time Zone Conundrum: A Final Word of Wisdom

The Common App’s time zone system is a bit of a wild ride, but with a little planning and a healthy dose of humor, you can conquer the deadline maze and submit your applications with confidence.

Remember, the deadline is just the beginning. The real challenge is to make sure you’re submitting a strong application that showcases your best self.

Need further help? If you need more guidance on how to change your time zone on the Common App or have any questions about the application process, don’t hesitate to reach out to the JobLoving community! We’re always here to help you navigate the college application process, one time zone at a time.