Have you ever wondered, “Can I make changes to my already submitted college application?”. If yes, the other question that will come into your mind is what changes can I make? You can’t make changes to your core application itself, but there are a few exceptions. For instance, consider your SAT scores arrive a week later, you got an award, or you noticed a typo in your college application. All these possibilities can make you panic, and you would want to make the changes to enhance your application.
This blog is dedicated to answering all your questions related to the changes you can make to your college applications after submission, and how to avoid the panic situation after you hit the submission button of the application submission.
First, What’s Set in Stone?
When you apply to platforms like the Common App, Coalition App, or a college’s proprietary portal, most of the information becomes locked in. That includes:
- Your personal statement and supplemental essays
- Your course list and grades
- The activities and honors section
- Basic personal information (name, birthdate, etc.)
Once all the above-mentioned information is finally submitted to the college admission system, you cannot make any changes on the same portal.
But don’t panic: that doesn’t mean all hope is lost if you spot a mistake or need to update something important.
How Can You Still Make Changes?
If you need to make any changes, try contacting the admission office. Request them to make your desired corrections. Here’s when and how to do it:
Correcting Errors or Typos
If you notice a genuine mistake, like listing the wrong date for an internship or a factual error in your essay, you can email the admissions office. Be brief, polite, and specific.
Example:
“Hi [College Name] Admissions Team, I recently submitted my application via the Common App. I noticed an error in the activities section—my debate club presidency started in 2023, not 2022. I wanted to clarify for your records. Thank you!”
This will work only if the mistake is significant enough to warrant clarification. But if you think you can change your essay because you changed your mind on the topic you chose already, that’s not possible to change.
New Achievements or Materials
Sometimes, something awesome happens after you submit: you win a big award, publish research, earn a top score on a retake exam, or receive a scholarship.
You’re allowed and even encouraged to share important new information with colleges. Many schools have specific portals or instructions for this kind of update. For example:
- Yale allows applicants to upload updates through their status portal.
- MIT encourages students to use a special form to submit post-application updates.
- Most Common App schools allow you to contact them via email or upload updates through your application status portal.
Just make sure what you’re sharing is relevant and meaningful. A new leadership role or academic award? Go for it. Finding a new favorite Netflix show? Not so much.
What About Your Test Scores?
If you’re sending SAT or ACT scores separately using College Board or ACT, they can still be submitted after the deadline for the application, as long as they arrive before the school’s test score deadline (typically a week or two after the deadline for the application). You don’t have to sweat it if your application and score arrive on different days.
That said, if you’re submitting your scores separately and forgot to self-report your scores on the application, and you have already paid for the scores to be sent, you can email the admissions office and let them know.
Can You Withdraw and Resubmit?
Technically, yes, but it’s not recommended unless necessary. In case you realize you submitted the wrong essay or left out any crucial information in your application, you can ask the admissions office to withdraw your application and allow you to resubmit.
But here’s the catch:
- Not all schools will let you do this.
- It could delay your review timeline.
- It might look disorganized unless your reason is truly compelling.
Instead, it’s usually better to send a clarification or update than attempt a full do-over.
What If You Applied Early Decision?
If you applied ED or EA, and something major changes, like a significant grade drop or a disciplinary issue, you’re ethically obligated to report it.
On the flip side, if you receive a major award or update, you can still send it in. Just make sure you do so before decisions are released (often mid-December for many ED schools).
Don’t take the stress
A small error like a typo won’t affect your whole application, so you can sit back and relax. The admissions officers look at your overall potential, experience, and achievements, and minor errors like spelling errors or punctuation do not come across their eyes while going through the thousands of applications.
Still, if something important happens, like a boost in your academic record, a notable achievement, or a real error, take the initiative and reach out professionally.
Need Help Navigating College Admissions?
If you’re feeling uncertain about parts of your application or wondering how to handle post-submission updates, working with a trusted resource like The Princeton Review can make a difference. Here’s how
- Personalised guidance by our best college counseling experts helps you build a strong application. The experts also help with editing and polishing personal statements and supplemental essays.
- The highly experienced experts understand every small detail of the college applications; they can help you with what changes you can or can’t make and what difference any change will make.
- The advanced tools provided by The Princeton Review Singapore help you with easy feedback at every step of your application.
Final Thoughts
While you can’t “edit” a college application in the traditional sense after hitting submit, you do have options to correct, update, or supplement your application. Just act quickly, communicate clearly, and remember that admissions offices are used to handling post-submission updates.
The key is to focus on what matters most, substance over perfection. And once you’ve submitted, permit yourself to breathe. You did the work, and you have options if something comes up. That’s what matters most.