Making Edits to Common App Before Regular Decision Submission

I'm planning to apply for Regular Decision and want to make last-minute edits to my Common App. Is it straightforward to do this, or is there a cut-off point after which changes aren't allowed?

Yes, it is possible to make changes to your Common App before submitting it to your Regular Decision schools. Essentially, once you apply to a college, that version of your application is locked in for that school. However, it does not prevent you from editing the application for other colleges.

Here's a step-by-step process of how you can do this:

1. Submit your application to the first college.

2. Return to your dashboard, and select the next college you want to apply to.

3. Make the required changes.

4. Review your application once again and submit it.

It's an iterative process—you can make changes and submit to each college individually. But remember, once you hit "submit" for a school, you can't modify the application for that particular institution. The cut-off point is when you hit the "submit" button for a particular school.

Another important note is regarding the personal essay part of the application, which requires a distinct approach. If you want to customize that essay for each school—which many students do—you’ll need to create an alternate version of it in the Common App system. Once done, you can assign each version of your essay to the schools of your choice.

Keep an eye on deadlines, though. It’s essential to submit each application before the school's application deadline. Lastly, be careful while you make edits! Ensure every change aligns with the specific requirements of each school to avoid any potential issues. Best of luck with your applications!