If you are applying to college this year

If you are applying to college this year, you are most likely using the Common Application (CA) for one or more of your applications.  

The Common Application is a not-for-profit membership organization that has been serving students and families for over 35 years.  The CA has grown in popularity over the years, and now has over 500 member institutions allowing students easy access to many college applications.  

This year, the Common Application unveiled their newest version of the application, referred to as CA4.  It has been completely revised to simplify the application process with a new intuitive interface. 

Unfortunately, as with any new software, there have been some issues with the program.  Inside Higher Education has worked with CA to identify some of the common issues that CA4 has documented and is working to resolve.  

Here are just a few of the issues people are dealing with, according to Common App:

–“In some instances, applicants are encountering errors getting a ‘Green Check’ signaling completion of various sections of their Common Application, despite having completed all required questions.”

–“In rare instances, when attempting to change the e-mail address associated with the account, the page may occasionally timeout before the e-mail change completes. These are then no longer able to log in.”

–“In some circumstances, the Applicant form status may not appear correctly in the Recommender system.”

–“In rare instances, when clicking the “Submit” button to generate a preview of a form before submitting, recommender encounters an error message.”

(Here are some other problems that Common App says have been fixed.)

Read more: http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2013/10/16/common-application-glitches-block-students-applying#ixzz2iGaQVp7m
Inside Higher Ed

The good news is that the team at Common Application are working non-stop to identify and address the software issues that students are experiencing. They have been responsive and worked around the clock to address the issues that students have been experiencing.

As with any new software implementation, there will be unexpected issues.  Students can help minimize the stress related to their applications by working early to complete their applications.  Being prepared early with your part of the process will allow you time to adjust and adapt to any unexpected system issues that may still be lingering with CA4.

Refer to Common App links above to keep updated on the current issues being worked on as well as issues fixed.

Perhaps the silver lining in the current system issues related to the Common Application is a lesson of self accountability.   When things are a little stressful, the best way to manage your situation is to take control of the things you are in charge of, and one of those things in this situation is time.  Work to get all your applications ready well in advance of their due dates guys!