Once you’ve submitted your Common App, the hard work doesn’t stop there. If you need to make updates or corrections after submission, it’s important to know the right steps to take. Here’s a guide on how to update your Common App after you’ve hit submit, along with helpful tips on making necessary changes. For additional advice on managing your application, visit CommonApps.
1. Check with the College for Update Policies
Before making any changes, verify the policies of each college you applied to regarding updates. Some colleges allow applicants to update certain parts of their application, while others may not. Here’s how to proceed:
- Contact the admissions office: If you’re unsure whether updates are allowed, reach out to the admissions office of the specific college to inquire about their update process.
- Follow their instructions: Colleges will typically provide instructions on how to submit updated materials like transcripts, test scores, or personal information.
For additional guidance, you can always check the Common App portal or visit CommonApps.
2. Update Your Contact Information
If you’ve moved, changed your phone number, or have a new email address after submission, it’s important to update your contact information. You can do this by following these steps:
- Log into your Common App account: Go to the Common App dashboard and click on the “Profile” section.
- Update your details: Modify any necessary information, such as your address, phone number, or email.
- Save changes: Make sure to save your updates once you’ve made them.
Some colleges may also request an official change of contact information, so ensure that you follow their process as well. For more on managing your profile, visit CommonApps.
3. Submit Updated Test Scores or Transcripts
If you’ve taken additional standardized tests (such as the SAT, ACT, or AP exams) after your initial submission, or if you need to submit updated transcripts, here’s how to handle it:
- Send official scores: If you’re submitting new test scores, contact the testing organization (like the College Board or ACT) and have your scores sent directly to the colleges you applied to.
- Update your transcript: Contact your school counselor to send any updated transcripts to the colleges on your list. While you cannot directly upload transcripts through Common App, you can request that they be sent via email or mail.
Keep in mind that each college has different deadlines for submitting test scores and transcripts, so be sure to verify the deadlines. For further help, you can refer to CommonApps.
4. Correct Any Mistakes in Your Application
If you realize that you made a mistake in your application, whether it’s a typo in your essay, an error in your activities list, or something else, here’s what to do:
- Contact the admissions office: Most colleges will allow you to send a correction to your application. Email the admissions office explaining the error and asking if it’s possible to submit a correction.
- Provide supporting documents: If applicable, attach any documents that support the correction, such as a new letter of recommendation or updated transcript.
Always be polite and professional when requesting changes, and make sure you submit the correction as soon as possible to avoid missing deadlines. For more tips on correcting mistakes, check out CommonApps.
5. Add or Remove Colleges from Your Application List
If you decide to add or remove colleges from your Common App after submission, it’s possible to make changes:
- To add a college: Simply log into your Common App account, go to the “College Search” section, and add the new college to your application list.
- To remove a college: If you no longer wish to apply to a particular school, you can remove it from your list. Be aware that if you’ve already submitted your application to that school, you may not be able to delete it. However, you can always contact the admissions office if you want to withdraw your application.
Make sure to double-check deadlines and application requirements for any newly added schools. For more information on managing your college list, visit CommonApps.
6. Keep Track of Your Application Status
After submitting your Common App, it’s essential to stay on top of your application status. Most colleges allow you to check if they’ve received your application and other materials like transcripts and test scores.
- Check the status: Regularly log into the admissions portal of each school to monitor your application’s progress.
- Respond to requests: Some colleges may contact you for additional materials, such as interviews or portfolio submissions. Make sure to respond promptly.
Staying organized and keeping track of your application status will help ensure a smooth process. For more tips on tracking your application status, visit CommonApps.
7. Submit Additional Materials for Special Circumstances
If you face special circumstances that weren’t reflected in your application—such as family emergencies, medical conditions, or other personal challenges—many colleges allow you to submit additional materials or explanatory notes.
- Contact the admissions office: Reach out to explain your situation, and ask if they would consider additional materials. Some schools might allow you to submit an additional personal statement or a letter from a counselor.
Be sure to include only relevant and necessary details to ensure that your update is meaningful. For further advice on submitting special materials, visit CommonApps.
Conclusion
Updating your Common App after submission is possible, but it requires following the correct steps. Whether it’s correcting a mistake, updating your contact details, or submitting additional materials, it’s important to keep track of deadlines and stay in communication with each college’s admissions office. For more detailed advice on how to update your Common App, visit CommonApps.
Stay organized, be proactive, and make sure your application is as complete and accurate as possible to give yourself the best chance of success.