Glitches on Common App Causes Problems For Early Decision Applicants

Every year, seniors endure the stress of applying to college: figuring out which schools they like best, writing essays for the Common Application and college supplements, and collecting and sending their information to potential schools. This fall, students applying early to colleges have even more stress due to the new, glitchy Common App system.

This year, the Common App was completely restructured. However, it was rolled out without testing, causing many problems for applicants. As SHS senior Dana Goldstein stated, "I was under the impression that the intention of the new Common App was to further utilize technology to make an even more universal and accessible app; however, it was really poorly executed ... - a huge mistake in my opinion." These problems have caused the Common App to become almost less accessible because of issues such as scrambled words after pasting text, inaccurate word counts, poorly phrased questions, an extremely slow uploading process, and error pages after sending documents. This process became so frustrating that SHS senior Alexander Lin remarked, "I just sat there for a moment, contemplated screaming and just not applying to college at all."

In addition to changes to the process, there were changes to the actual questions on the application. However, this does not appear to be as bothersome because since seniors are applying for the first time, they have not seen the questions from prior years. As SHS senior Carina Spiro stated, "I don't feel like it's affected me any differently because I just wrote about what I wanted to write about and molded it to fit the question I chose." There are many options to choose from when writing the Common App essay, and the essay change seems to be having the least effect on students.

Parents and the faculty at SHS have been a big help to students as they struggle through the application process. As Alexander Lin stated, "My dean and all my teachers have encouraged me and kept my head above water during this entire process." While there isn't so much that deans and teachers can do to help fix these problems, an important part of their jobs is making students aware that they are not alone. As SHS Dean Matthew Sweeney said, "It's not just Scarsdale students, it's happening all across the country. When students realize it's not just them, it helps them feel better." This awareness is an important part of relieving stress for students and assuring that everything that's possible is being done. The Common App has even been sending daily updates to guidance counselors about these issues and how they are being addressed.

The Common App's problems have taken up a lot of unnecessary hours and have prevented students from doing other activities. However, some students do feel positive about their applications being done on time. Dana Goldstein commented, "The process has been very proactive-- almost everyone is ready to apply at least a week before their deadlines. "

Admissions officers have been sympathetic as well. Cornell University's Undergraduate Admission's website posted the following notice: "The transition to the new online Common Application (CA4) has been challenging for students and counselors. We understand your worries and we are committed to working with you through this process." The moved the due date for early decision applications back to November 8.

And Cornell is not the only school that has responded. The Daily Beast reported that 46 schools have moved back the deadline for early decision applications due to issues with the website. An article published on November 1 explains some of the problems with the online application that is used by 517 colleges and universities: "The website is giving you timeouts. You can't copy and paste from Microsoft Word. You have no idea whether your school has an essay supplement, and it's not accepting your form of payment. And if you're thinking of just throwing in the towel and mailing your application the old-fashioned way, don't even bother—most schools don't even accept paper applications anymore."

The extended deadline will be helpful to students who need extra time; however, this extension will slow down the admissions process and put colleges behind schedule for processing applications and making decisions.

It is hopefully just a matter of time before the Common App fixes these problems, hopefully in time to accommodate the thousands of applicants who will file applications for regular decision in December. Alison Melnick agrees, "I think the Common App is trying really hard to ease the stress, but I think no matter what it's going to be stressful." Therefore, there is only so much the Common App can do. However, despite the problems, many people are still in favor of using this tool to apply to college. As Dean Sweeney stated, "Overall [the Common App] is still a very good resource for students and colleges."

Here are the essay questions offered as part of the Common App:

• Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their
application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
• Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons
did you learn?
• Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you
make the same decision again?
• Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience
there, and why is it meaningful to you?
• Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from
childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.