What to Do If You Made a Mistake on Your Common Application
Realizing you've made a mistake on your Common Application after submitting it can feel overwhelming. But take a deep breath—mistakes happen, and there are ways to address them. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the situation with confidence.1. Assess the SituationNot all mistakes are created equal. Minor typos or formatting issues are unlikely to impact an admissions decision, but errors in critical information—like your grades, test scores, or essays—might need attention. Review your application carefully to understand the scope of the error.2. Check the College's PolicyEach college handles application updates differently. Some allow students to submit corrections or updates through their application portal, while others require an email to the admissions office. Review the admissions website or contact the school directly to understand their preferred process.3. Act Quickly and ProfessionallyOnce you’ve determined the best course of action, reach out to the admissions office as soon as possible. In your communication:
- Be polite and professional.
- Clearly explain the mistake and provide the corrected information.
- Apologize briefly, but don’t overdo it—admissions officers understand that errors can happen.
For example:
Dear [Admissions Office],I recently submitted my application to [College Name], and I noticed an error in [specific section]. The correct information is as follows: [corrected details]. I apologize for the oversight and appreciate your understanding. Please let me know if any further steps are needed.Best regards,[Your Full Name]
4. Learn from the ExperienceUse this situation as a learning opportunity. Moving forward, double-check every component of your application before hitting "submit." Consider enlisting someone else to review your materials for clarity, consistency, and accuracy.5. Don’t PanicAdmissions officers evaluate applications holistically. One mistake is unlikely to overshadow the overall strength of your application. By addressing the issue promptly and professionally, you demonstrate maturity and accountability—qualities colleges value in applicants.Mistakes may feel like a setback, but they can also be an opportunity to show resilience. Address the error with grace, and then refocus your energy on the exciting journey ahead!