Daily Archives: September 19, 2009

This evening, I (unintentionally) submitted my first college application. I was excited… making final preparations and about to insert my personal essay. On the side of the online application, there were check boxes marking what I had completed and what needed to be finished. All boxes were checked except for the writing section and the payment.

I decided that it would be a good idea to submit the payment for the application fee so that I would be able to submit the application anytime I wished. I typed in the credit card information and clicked “Submit.” The next page was horrifying.

“At this time, our records indicate that you have successfully submitted your application and paid your application fee. No more edits will be accepted on the application.”

That line made my stomach sink. I quickly E-Mailed the admissions department and left a couple messages. Because it’s Saturday, I will have to wait until offices reopen Monday. So, if you happen to read this tonight, take heed in knowing that this issue still hangs in the balance of admissions officers. This problem should be resolved easily, but the feeling of uncertainty seems to keep surfacing.

Lesson: If you are submitting a college application online, do not submit a payment unless you are completely finished with your application. Submitting a payment is comparable to dropping your application in the mail.

Update: Everything worked out for the best. The college was very understanding and unlocked my application again so I can add my personal statement, fix my religion, and copyedit.