How to Rollover Your Common App Account: A Guide for the Perplexed (and Slightly Panicked)
“Rollover?” you ask, “What the heck is account rollover?”
Well, my friend, let’s dive into the fascinating world of the Common App — a digital labyrinth where you’ll spend countless hours crafting the perfect application to impress those picky college admissions officers.
Hold your horses, though. Before you panic and start frantically Googling “how to write a killer college essay,” let’s tackle the basics.
Account Rollover: Your Common App Savior
Imagine this: you’ve spent months (okay, maybe just weeks) toiling away on your Common App, filling out those tedious forms, crafting a personal essay that you’re convinced will win the Nobel Prize in Literature, and meticulously detailing your extracurricular activities.
Then, BAM! August 1st rolls around, and you’re faced with the daunting reality that it’s time to start the process all over again.
But fear not! The Common App has your back (sort of). Their nifty “account rollover” feature is like a magical portal that transports all your hard work from the previous application cycle to the new one.
Think of it as a digital time machine, but instead of traveling to the past, you’re just sending your Common App information forward in time.
So, how does this “rollover” thing actually work?
Simple as pie (or at least as simple as college applications can be).
- Log in after August 1st: Just like you’ve always done, use your existing username and password to access your Common App account.
- Answer a few questions: The Common App wants to make sure you’re still the same brilliant, motivated student you were last year. They’ll ask you some basic questions to verify your identity.
- Voila! Your account is rolled over, and your previous answers (most of them, anyway) will be conveniently waiting for you.
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty:
- What stays? What goes?
- The good news: Most of your answers in the Common App tab (think personal essay, activities, awards, etc.) will be magically preserved.
- The not-so-good news: The “My Colleges” section, where you submit your application to specific schools, will not roll over. You’ll have to start fresh with your college selections.
- Two Common App accounts? Don’t even think about it.
- The Common App is like a strict, no-nonsense librarian who doesn’t tolerate duplicate accounts. If you try to create another account with the same email address, you’ll be met with a digital brick wall.
- The solution? Use a different email address. Easy peasy, right?
- What if you need to make changes after submitting an application?
- Remember, the Common App is a one-time submission deal. If you find a glaring error after hitting the “submit” button, you’re going to have to contact each college’s admissions office directly. They handle changes on a case-by-case basis.
Now, let’s get practical.
Step-by-Step Guide to Rollover Your Common App Account:
- August 1st arrives: Mark your calendars! This is your official rollover date.
- Log in using your existing credentials: This is the magic key that unlocks your account.
- Answer a few rollover questions: Think of it as a quick security check.
- Review your answers: This is your chance to double-check that everything is up to date and accurate.
- Explore the Dashboard: This is your central hub for all things Common App. Get acquainted with the different sections.
- Click on the “Common App” tab: This is where you’ll find all your saved answers.
- Continue working on your application: Now, the real work begins. Start refining your essays, updating your activities, and polishing your resume.
Remember, account rollover is just the first step in your college application journey. Don’t get complacent! Stay organized, work hard, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Ready to conquer the Common App like a pro?
Need more help?
If you need further assistance or have any questions about the Common App account rollover process, don’t hesitate to connect with us at JobLoving. Our community of experienced college application experts is here to guide you through every step of the way.
Happy (and successful) college application season!