This time last year, we were worried about the effects of Hurricane Sandy, and colleges were extending deadlines for those affected.
This year we are worried about the effects of Hurricane Common App, and colleges are extending early decision and early action deadlines.
I guess what this means is that the more things change, the more they stay the same!
The good news is that most of you have submitted all your early round applications by now, so your struggles with the Common App are (somewhat) over.
But not quite yet. Here are some items that might need your attention:
1) Some of you have submitted applications, and there are green checks, and credit card charges that show they have been sent. BUT, you have not heard from the colleges directly. This could mean one of several things:
• The application is still in cyberspace waiting for the college to download it
• The college knows it is there but cannot download it because the technology won't let them
• The college has downloaded the application, but it is in gibberish, so they can't read it.
• The college did send you an email and it went to your SPAM folder (Please check and make sure!).
If you haven't heard anything, and you sent the application more than a week ago, please contact the college by email or by phone and check and make sure it was received.
2) Once you have heard from the college and you have a user name and password, log on to your accounts at each of your early round colleges and check on your materials. DO NOT PANIC if your transcripts, recommendations or scores have not arrived. It generally takes up to a month for the colleges to process and log in all the materials they are receiving. All you should concern yourself with is the payment, application and supplement, if required. You will not be held accountable if the school materials arrive after the deadline. Please be advised that the issues we all had with the Common App are actually worse on the high school college end... they are also having Naviance issues, in addition!
3) While you are at it, register for alumni interviews at all your colleges, or at least your top 5. Many will not offer interviews, or if you already interviewed on campus, you won't need another one. In most cases, you cannot register for an alumni interview until the application is submitted.
The interview will not make or break your application, but it does indicate interest, which is important. It goes without saying (but I will anyway) that you should use your best manners, and do not stand up the interviewer. It leaves a very bad impression... even worse than if you have nothing to say.
4) Finally, early round schools will be responding in December, mostly around the 15th, with a few exceptions (UMD responds in January). All of your remaining applications should be sent or teed up and ready to go by then. I will be available for calls, questions, and celebration or empathy throughout December, so please let me know when you hear anything.
This year we are worried about the effects of Hurricane Common App, and colleges are extending early decision and early action deadlines.
I guess what this means is that the more things change, the more they stay the same!
The good news is that most of you have submitted all your early round applications by now, so your struggles with the Common App are (somewhat) over.
But not quite yet. Here are some items that might need your attention:
1) Some of you have submitted applications, and there are green checks, and credit card charges that show they have been sent. BUT, you have not heard from the colleges directly. This could mean one of several things:
• The application is still in cyberspace waiting for the college to download it
• The college knows it is there but cannot download it because the technology won't let them
• The college has downloaded the application, but it is in gibberish, so they can't read it.
• The college did send you an email and it went to your SPAM folder (Please check and make sure!).
If you haven't heard anything, and you sent the application more than a week ago, please contact the college by email or by phone and check and make sure it was received.
2) Once you have heard from the college and you have a user name and password, log on to your accounts at each of your early round colleges and check on your materials. DO NOT PANIC if your transcripts, recommendations or scores have not arrived. It generally takes up to a month for the colleges to process and log in all the materials they are receiving. All you should concern yourself with is the payment, application and supplement, if required. You will not be held accountable if the school materials arrive after the deadline. Please be advised that the issues we all had with the Common App are actually worse on the high school college end... they are also having Naviance issues, in addition!
3) While you are at it, register for alumni interviews at all your colleges, or at least your top 5. Many will not offer interviews, or if you already interviewed on campus, you won't need another one. In most cases, you cannot register for an alumni interview until the application is submitted.
The interview will not make or break your application, but it does indicate interest, which is important. It goes without saying (but I will anyway) that you should use your best manners, and do not stand up the interviewer. It leaves a very bad impression... even worse than if you have nothing to say.
4) Finally, early round schools will be responding in December, mostly around the 15th, with a few exceptions (UMD responds in January). All of your remaining applications should be sent or teed up and ready to go by then. I will be available for calls, questions, and celebration or empathy throughout December, so please let me know when you hear anything.
