Common App Issues Today: A Deep Dive into What's Troubling Students

Frustrated by technical glitches while applying to your dream college? You're not alone. Today, millions of students are encountering a myriad of issues with the Common App, the online platform used by over 900 colleges and universities for undergraduate admissions. The platform, designed to simplify the college application process, is instead causing stress and confusion for many. What exactly are these issues, and how can students navigate them effectively? Let’s dive in.

The Most Common Issues Today

1. Application Freezes and Crashes

Imagine this: You’re on the last step of your college application, reviewing your essay for the tenth time, only for the Common App to freeze or crash unexpectedly. This scenario has become all too familiar for students this year. Many report the platform freezing, especially during peak usage times, such as close to major deadlines. The root cause often points to server overload due to high traffic, which the Common App's infrastructure struggles to handle.

Solution: Students can minimize the chances of crashes by submitting applications during off-peak hours, typically early morning or late night. Clearing cache and cookies or using a different browser may also help mitigate the issue.

2. Lost Data and Application Progress

Another alarming issue students face today is the mysterious disappearance of data. Imagine logging back in to find your painstakingly filled-out forms or essays missing or corrupted. This problem is often linked to sessions timing out or poor internet connectivity.

Solution: To avoid this, students should regularly save their progress, copy important essays or responses to a separate document, and check their internet connection stability before logging in.

3. Problems with File Uploads

For many, the challenge doesn’t stop at filling out forms; uploading documents such as transcripts, essays, and recommendation letters has become a technical nightmare. The Common App restricts file sizes and formats, and errors in these areas can result in repeated rejections of uploads, frustrating both students and their recommenders.

Solution: Ensure all files are within the allowed size (usually under 1 MB) and are in an accepted format, like PDF or Word. Compress files if necessary and test uploads in advance.

4. Inaccurate Data Transmission

The Common App is intended to transmit data seamlessly to the colleges. However, glitches can lead to inaccurate data being sent. A simple typo could mean a wrong date or a misaligned answer, which could have serious implications on the application’s outcome.

Solution: It is crucial to double-check all data before submission and ensure that any corrections are immediately verified in the transmitted application copies.

5. Payment Processing Failures

Payments for application fees are another significant source of stress. Instances where students' payments have been processed, but their applications remain marked as incomplete due to payment errors, are not uncommon. This issue often arises from browser-related problems or third-party payment gateway failures.

Solution: Students should confirm payment success via bank statements or credit card notifications and immediately contact Common App support if discrepancies occur.

6. Recommendations and FERPA Waivers

For many, issues with the recommendation section are particularly troubling. Recommenders report difficulties in accessing their submission portals, and students experience problems with their Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) waivers, which can prevent the submission of crucial documents.

Solution: Ensure recommenders are aware of the process and have all necessary information ahead of time. Additionally, carefully review all FERPA waiver decisions, as mistakes here can delay or prevent the transmission of recommendation letters.

Broader Concerns

Beyond technical glitches, there are broader concerns about equity and accessibility. Not all students have the same level of access to high-speed internet, up-to-date devices, or tech-savvy guidance counselors. These disparities can exacerbate the issues faced by applicants using the Common App, disproportionately affecting students from underprivileged backgrounds.

What Is Being Done to Address These Issues?

The Common App team is aware of these problems and claims to be working on solutions, such as enhancing server capacity, improving user interface design, and streamlining file upload processes. However, these improvements are gradual and do not guarantee a completely smooth experience during high-stress periods like application deadlines.

Tips for Navigating the Common App Issues Today

• Start Early: Begin your application well before the deadline to account for unexpected issues.
• Regularly Save Your Work: Save your application progress frequently and back up your responses in a word processor.
• Check System Requirements: Ensure your computer and browser are compatible with the Common App's platform.
• Stay Updated: Follow the Common App’s official communication channels for updates on outages or issues.
• Reach Out for Help: If you encounter issues, contact Common App support or your school counselor for assistance.

The Future of the Common App

While the current issues are daunting, they highlight the need for robust digital solutions in college admissions. The Common App's ongoing efforts to refine its platform, coupled with feedback from the student community, could lead to a more reliable and accessible application process in the future. The goal is to make the application process as straightforward as possible, but until then, students need to remain vigilant and proactive.

Conclusion

Today's Common App issues are frustrating, but they are not insurmountable. By understanding the common problems and being prepared, students can successfully navigate the application process. Remember, these technical glitches should not deter you from reaching your dream college.