The month of October is the busiest time on the college application calendar. With the impending wave of November 1st deadlines, students and college counselors across the country work feverishly through the exhaustive list of application requirements—from essays and letters of recommendation to, more recently, recording iPhone application videos.
Hitting the submit button on those applications is a major milestone and certainly comes with a lot of last-minute questions. As always, we’re here to help.
What’s the difference between Early Action, Early Decision, and Regular Decision deadlines?
Early Decision (ED): This is a binding option, meaning if you’re accepted, you are committing in advance to attend the school. It’s ideal if you have a clear top-choice college and are confident that the school is an affordable option for your family. ED deadlines are typically in November, although some colleges offer a second round of ED in January.
Early Action (EA): This is non-binding, meaning you can apply early and still have the freedom to choose among other schools if accepted. EA deadlines are also in the fall, often around November.
Regular Decision (RD): This is the most common application process. Deadlines vary, but many fall between January and February. Decisions typically come out in the spring, giving you more time to finalize your choices.
For a college that lists a November 1st deadline, do I have to submit all my application materials by that day?
No, only the application must be submitted by November 1st. Supporting materials such as test scores, transcripts, and recommendation letters can be submitted after the deadline. Keep track of each school's specific guidelines, and follow up with your recommenders and school to ensure everything is sent promptly.
What happens if I miss a deadline?
Missing a college application deadline can be a serious issue, as many schools are strict about their timelines. If you’ve missed a deadline, contact the admissions office as soon as possible to explain your situation. Some colleges may allow you to submit late, but this is not guaranteed.
How do I submit letters of recommendation through the Common Application?
One of the best features of the Common App is that you can request recommendation letters directly through the platform, and your recommenders can submit their letters directly to colleges. Here’s how:
Add recommenders: Under the "Recommenders and FERPA" section, you can invite teachers, counselors, or other recommenders by entering their email addresses. Make sure to ask them in person or via email before sending the request so they’re prepared.
Waive FERPA rights: You’ll be asked whether you want to waive your FERPA rights (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). It’s generally recommended to waive your rights because doing so assures colleges that your recommenders have written their letters without your influence.
Follow up and monitor: After inviting your recommenders, you can track the status of their submissions within the Common App. Be sure to follow up with them to ensure everything is submitted on time!
What do I do if I experience technical issues completing the Common Application?
If you run into technical difficulties while using the Common App, the platform has a comprehensive Help Center with FAQs and troubleshooting guides for common issues. You can also contact the Common App’s support team directly through the site.
What happens after I submit my applications?
After submitting your Common App to colleges, each school will send you an email with instructions on how to access their individual application portals. These websites are critical, as they allow you to:
Track the status of your application (to ensure all required materials have been received),
Receive important updates or requests for additional information from the college, and
View your admission decision once it’s been released.
Make sure to check your email regularly and save (and share with your parents) the login information for each portal.
And finally, the most important step of all—celebrate!
As we’ve mentioned on this blog before, this is a big moment in the lives of students. Don’t just move on to the next to-do item. Plan a special meal, go out to a favorite restaurant, or if nothing else, give your student an enormous hug!
Not working with us yet? Feeling stressed by the college search process? Let's chat.
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