Should You Consent to Be Contacted on the Common App? The Great Debate
Let’s be honest, applying to college is a stressful enough process without having to worry about whether or not you should give your phone number to a bunch of institutions that might call you at 3 am with a “Congratulations, you’re in!” message (or worse, a “We regret to inform you…” message). So, should you consent to be contacted on the Common App?
The answer, my friend, is not as simple as “yes” or “no.” It’s more like a choose-your-own-adventure book, but with fewer dragons and more standardized test scores.
The Case for “Consent”
Imagine this: You’re diligently filling out the Common App, meticulously crafting essays that would make even Shakespeare weep with envy, and suddenly, you’re faced with that dreaded question: “Do you consent to be contacted?” Your soul screams, “No! I don’t want to be bombarded with calls!” But before you click “No,” consider the following:
- Demonstrate Interest: By consenting, you’re basically saying, “Hey, I’m actually interested in your school! I’m not just throwing my application out there like a crumpled-up lottery ticket.” This gesture can show admissions officers that you’re genuinely excited about their institution, which can be a subtle advantage in a competitive pool.
- Stay in the Loop: College admissions offices often use email and phone calls to communicate important updates about application deadlines, events, or even scholarship opportunities. You don’t want to miss out on crucial information because you’re living in a “no contact” cave.
- Easier Communication: If you have questions about your application, it’s easier to reach out to the admissions office directly, especially if you’ve already given them your contact details. It’s like having a direct line to the college’s inner circle, just without the secret handshake.
The Case for “No Contact”
Okay, let’s be real. No one wants to be bombarded with calls from colleges, especially if they’re just trying to reach you for a quick “How are you doing?” chat. Here are some valid reasons to go “no contact”:
- Privacy Concerns: It’s your phone number! Do you really want to share it with every college under the sun? Think of the potential for spam calls, telemarketers, and those annoying “You’ve won a free cruise!” text messages. It’s a slippery slope, my friends.
- Avoiding the “Spam Call” Trap: Colleges, like all organizations, have their own marketing teams. They might use your number to send promotional texts or calls about events, even if you’re already accepted. While these might seem harmless, they can be annoying, especially if you’re trying to focus on other aspects of life.
- Avoiding the “Ghosting” Dilemma: Sometimes, colleges will use your contact information to reach out with “we regret to inform you…” messages. While this is a reality of the college admissions process, getting that news over a phone call can be a harsh, impersonal experience, especially if you were hoping for a different outcome.
Finding the “Goldilocks” Approach
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It’s a personal decision based on your individual preferences and comfort levels.
Here are some tips for navigating this tricky territory:
- Be Strategic: Consider giving your phone number to colleges you’re truly interested in, where you’ve done your research and feel confident about your application. For colleges you’re less enthusiastic about, maybe stick with email.
- Use a Separate Phone Number: If you’re concerned about privacy, consider using a separate phone number for college-related communications. This way you can avoid potential spam calls or marketing messages without sacrificing the ability to communicate with the admissions office.
- Check Your Junk Mail: Make sure you’re checking your spam folder regularly, as important emails from colleges can sometimes end up there. It’s a good idea to add the admissions office email addresses to your contact list to ensure you don’t miss anything vital.
- Go for the “Soft No”: If you’re really not comfortable giving your phone number, you can always opt for the “soft no.” Instead of clicking “No” outright, you can simply leave the phone number field blank. Colleges will interpret this as a preference for email communication.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to consent to be contacted is yours. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, consider your individual needs and preferences, and don’t be afraid to go with your gut. Remember, applying to college is a marathon, not a sprint, and you want to make sure you’re comfortable with every step of the journey.
Need More Help?
If you’re still unsure about whether or not to consent to be contacted on the Common App, or if you have any other questions about the college application process, feel free to join us at the JobLoving community. We’re a group of seasoned professionals dedicated to providing guidance and support to students navigating the exciting, yet often stressful, world of college admissions. Together, we can help you make the best choices for your future.