If you're dealing with Common App troubleshooting issues right now, take a deep breath. You're not alone, and most problems have simple fixes. Over 1 million students use the Common App every year, and many face the same technical headaches you're experiencing.
This complete app support troubleshooting guide will walk you through 15+ common issues and show you exactly how to fix them—no tech degree required. Whether you're struggling with login errors, submission failures, or mysterious glitches, we've got you covered with step-by-step solutions that actually work.
Let's get your application back on track so you can submit with confidence.
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| App support troubleshooting |
Quick Fixes First - Try These Before Everything Else
Before diving into specific problems, start here. These simple fixes solve about 70% of Common App technical issues in under 5 minutes.
The 5-Minute Troubleshooting Checklist
Try these steps in order—they're ranked from easiest to most effective:
- Check the Common App status page - Visit status.commonapp.org to see if the site is down for everyone (not just you)
- Clear your browser cache and cookies - Go to Settings > Privacy > Clear Browsing Data, select "Cookies" and "Cached images," then clear
- Switch browsers - If you're using Safari, try Chrome or Firefox instead
- Disable browser extensions - Ad blockers and privacy extensions often interfere with Common App
- Test your internet connection - Try loading other websites to confirm your WiFi is stable
- Log out completely and log back in - Click your name, select "Sign Out," close browser, then log in fresh
- Update your browser - Using an outdated version causes compatibility issues
- Restart your device - The classic "turn it off and on again" works more often than you'd think
App support troubleshooting
Still not working? Don't panic. Keep reading for specific solutions to your exact problem.
Browser Compatibility Issues
Not all browsers play nice with Common App. Here's what you need to know for the best experience:
Chrome is your best bet. It has a 95% compatibility rate with Common App and receives the most testing from their development team. Firefox comes in second place and works well for most students.
Safari can be problematic. Many students report issues with autosave, dropdown menus, and file uploads when using Safari, especially on older Mac operating systems. If you're experiencing weird glitches, switch to Chrome immediately.
Mobile browsers aren't reliable for submissions. While you can check your application status on your phone, save the actual form-filling and submitting for a desktop or laptop computer.
| Browser | Compatibility | Best For | Issues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chrome | ✓ Excellent | Everything | None |
| Firefox | ✓ Very Good | All tasks | Minor quirks |
| Safari | ~ Fair | Browsing only | Autosave, uploads |
| Edge | ✓ Good | Most tasks | Some glitches |
| Mobile Safari/Chrome | ✗ Poor | Status checks only | Don't submit here |
Login and Account Access Problems
Can't get into your account? Login issues are frustrating but usually fixable in minutes.
"I Can't Log In" - Password & Email Issues
Problem: Forgot Password
Click "Forgot Password?" on the login screen, enter your email address, and check your inbox for the reset link. If you don't see it within 5 minutes, check your spam folder—Common App emails sometimes land there.
The reset link expires after 24 hours, so use it right away. Create a strong password you'll remember (write it down somewhere safe!), then try logging in again.
Still can't reset? You might be entering the wrong email address. Try all the email addresses you use—school email, personal Gmail, parent's email, etc.
App support troubleshooting
Problem: "Invalid Credentials" Error
This usually means you're entering the wrong email or password. Double-check for typos—extra spaces, caps lock being on, or autocorrect changing your password are common culprits.
If you're absolutely sure your credentials are correct, your account might be locked after multiple failed login attempts. Wait 30 minutes, then try again. For persistent issues, contact Common App support directly.
Problem: Two-Factor Authentication Not Working
If you're not receiving the verification code, check that your phone number is entered correctly in your account settings. Make sure you have cell service or SMS isn't blocked.
Try requesting the code again, and wait up to 5 minutes—sometimes codes arrive late. If you're locked out, you'll need to contact Common App support with your account details to regain access.
Creating vs. Accessing Existing Accounts
Here's a mistake that derails hundreds of students every year: Creating a second Common App account when they already have one.
You might have created an account at a college fair, during a school visit, or when you were a junior exploring colleges. Now you can't remember and you're tempted to just create a new one. DON'T.
How to check if you already have an account:
- Try logging in with all your email addresses
- Search your email inbox for "Common App" or "CommonApp"
- Check with your guidance counselor—they might have records
- Look through old emails from junior year
Can't merge duplicate accounts? Unfortunately, Common App doesn't allow account merging. If you accidentally created a second account, you'll need to use whichever one contains your most complete information. This is why checking first is so important.
Application Form Errors and Glitches
Nothing's worse than losing hours of work. Here's how to prevent and fix Common App form issues.
Forms Not Saving or Data Disappearing
Problem: Autosave Not Working
Common App has an autosave feature, but it's not always reliable. First, make sure it's actually enabled—look for a small spinning circle or "Saving..." text at the top of your screen when you're typing.
If you don't see it, your browser might be blocking the autosave function. Try disabling ad blockers and privacy extensions, then refresh the page and check again.
The golden rule: Save manually every 5 minutes. Click "Save" at the bottom of each section after adding information. Yes, it's tedious. Yes, it's worth it. [Link to: College Application Timeline]
⚠️ URGENT TIP: Take screenshots of completed sections as backup! If something gets deleted, you can at least retype it instead of trying to remember what you wrote.
Problem: "Session Expired" Errors
Common App automatically logs you out after 20 minutes of inactivity to protect your information. If you're working on a long essay or get distracted, you'll see this error and potentially lose unsaved work.
Here's how to prevent it:
- Click "Save" every few minutes to reset the timer
- Stay active—scroll up and down occasionally
- Write essays in Google Docs first, then copy-paste when done
- Keep a separate tab open and refresh it occasionally
If you do get logged out, don't panic. Log back in immediately. If you had autosave enabled, most of your work should still be there.
Text Box Character Limits and Formatting
Problem: Essays Pasting Weird
When you copy text from Microsoft Word or Google Docs, hidden formatting comes along for the ride. This causes strange spacing, weird characters, or the dreaded "character count doesn't match" issue.
The fix is simple but important:
- Copy your essay from Word/Google Docs
- Paste it into a plain text editor first (Notepad on Windows, TextEdit on Mac)
- Copy it again from the plain text editor
- Now paste it into Common App
This strips out all hidden formatting and gives you clean text that Common App can handle properly.
Problem: Character Counter Discrepancy
Common App's character counter sometimes shows a different number than your word processor. This happens because they count spaces, line breaks, and punctuation differently.
Always trust Common App's counter. Write your essay in your preferred program, but check the count in Common App itself before finalizing. If you're over, you'll need to cut words—there's no way around it.
Special characters causing errors? Stick to basic punctuation. Fancy quotes (""'' instead of ""), em dashes (—), and symbols (©, ®, ™) can cause glitches. Use straight quotes and regular dashes instead.
Date Picker and Dropdown Menu Glitches
Problem: Calendar Not Appearing
When clicking on date fields, the calendar should pop up. If it doesn't, your browser extensions are probably blocking it.
Disable extensions one by one to find the culprit—it's usually privacy tools, ad blockers, or script blockers. Once you identify it, add CommonApp.org to the extension's whitelist.
Problem: Dropdown Menus Frozen or Blank
This is almost always a browser cache issue. Clear your cache (see the checklist at the top of this article), close your browser completely, then try again.
If dropdowns still won't work, switch browsers. Chrome handles Common App dropdowns better than other browsers.
Recommendation and Transcript Upload Issues
Getting documents and recommendations into the system can be tricky. Here's how to troubleshoot the most common problems.
"My Recommender Says They Didn't Receive the Email"
This is one of the most common Common App submission problems students face. Before you panic, work through this checklist:
Recommender Email Troubleshooting:
- [ ] Have them check spam/junk folder thoroughly
- [ ] Verify the email address has no typos (ask them to spell it out loud)
- [ ] Resend the invitation from your Common App dashboard
- [ ] Try their alternative email address (personal vs. school)
- [ ] Ask them to add noreply@commonapp.org to their contacts
- [ ] Check if they already created a Common App account with a different email
💡 PRO TIP: Text or talk to your recommenders in person to confirm they received the email. Don't just assume—communication prevents last-minute panic!
Still not working? Your recommender might need to whitelist the Common App domain with their school's IT department. Some school email systems block external platforms automatically.
Give them this information to share with IT:
- Domain to whitelist: commonapp.org
- IP addresses to allow: Contact Common App support for current IPs
- Purpose: College application recommendation system
Document Upload Failures
Problem: PDF Not Uploading
Common App only accepts specific file formats and sizes. Here are the rules:
File Requirements:
- Accepted formats: PDF only (no Word docs, JPEGs, or other formats)
- Maximum size: 500 KB per document
- Resolution: 200 DPI minimum for clear text
- Pages: No limit, but keep reasonable (transcripts are usually 1-4 pages)
| Requirement | Specification | How to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Format | PDF only | File extension must be .pdf |
| File Size | 500 KB max | Right-click file > Properties/Get Info |
| Resolution | 200+ DPI | PDF properties or creation settings |
| Security | No password protection | Must be able to open without password |
Problem: "File Size Too Large" Error
Your document is over 500 KB. Here's how to compress it:
On Windows:
- Open PDF in Adobe Reader
- File > Save As Other > Reduced Size PDF
- Choose "Compatible with latest version"
- Save and check new file size
On Mac:
- Open PDF in Preview
- File > Export
- Quartz Filter dropdown > Reduce File Size
- Save and verify it's under 500 KB
Online tool option: Use SmallPDF.com or ILovePDF.com (free) to compress PDFs quickly. Just don't use these for sensitive documents like financial aid forms.
Problem: Wrong Document Type
Make sure you're converting to PDF correctly. Scanning a document as a JPEG, then renaming it to .pdf doesn't work—the file is still a JPEG.
Proper conversion:
- From Word/Google Docs: File > Download/Save As > PDF
- From scanner: Choose PDF as output format in scanner settings
- From images: Use a PDF converter tool, don't just rename
✅ QUICK WIN: Take a photo with your phone, upload to Google Drive, open in Google Docs, then "Print to PDF." This creates a proper PDF file instantly.
Payment and Fee Waiver Problems
Financial issues with Common App can be stressful. Here's how to resolve payment and fee waiver troubles.
Payment Not Processing
Problem: Credit Card Declined
If your card is declined, the issue is usually with your bank, not Common App. Call your credit card company and authorize the charge—they might have flagged it as suspicious because education payments are common fraud targets.
Common reasons cards get declined:
- Insufficient funds (application fees are $50-$90 per school)
- Daily spending limit reached
- Card expired or information entered incorrectly
- Billing zip code doesn't match card on file
- International card restrictions
Alternative payment methods: Ask a parent or guardian to pay using their card. Common App accepts most major credit and debit cards.
Problem: Payment Processing Errors
See a generic "payment error" message? This usually means Common App's payment processor is experiencing issues. Wait 15-30 minutes and try again.
Problem: Charged Multiple Times
Check your bank statement carefully. You might see multiple "pending" charges that will disappear within 3-5 days as the payment settles.
If you were actually charged twice, contact Common App support immediately with:
- Screenshots of both charges
- Transaction dates and amounts
- Your Common App ID and email
- Bank statement showing duplicate charges
Refunds typically process within 7-10 business days.
Fee Waiver Issues
Problem: Fee Waiver Not Showing Up
Fee waivers can take 24-48 hours to process and appear in your account. If you applied through your school counselor, they need to approve it on their end first.
How to check your fee waiver status:
- Log into Common App
- Click on "Profile"
- Scroll to "Fee Waiver" section
- Status will show "Pending," "Approved," or "Denied"
Fee waiver eligibility requirements:
- You receive federal free/reduced lunch
- Your family income qualifies (use fee waiver guidelines)
- You're in foster care or experiencing homelessness
- Your counselor confirms economic hardship
📱 IMPORTANT NOTE: Apply for fee waivers at least 1 week before your application deadline. Last-minute requests often don't process in time.
Problem: Fee Waiver Denied
If your fee waiver was denied but you believe you qualify, contact your school counselor immediately. They can provide additional documentation or appeal the decision.
Don't let fee concerns stop you from applying. Many colleges offer application fee waivers on their own websites if Common App waivers don't work out. [Link to: Financial Aid and Scholarship Guide]
Submission Failures and "Submit" Button Not Working
This is the most stressful Common App troubleshooting moment: when you can't actually submit. Let's fix it.
The Dreaded "Submit" Button is Greyed Out
Why this happens: Common App won't let you submit until every required section is complete. The grey button is protecting you from submitting an incomplete application.
Here's how to diagnose what's missing:
Step 1: Check Your Dashboard Look for red dots or "incomplete" labels next to section names. These show exactly what needs attention.
Step 2: Section-by-Section Review Click through every section systematically:
- Profile (personal information)
- Family (parent/guardian info)
- Education (school history, GPA)
- Testing (SAT/ACT scores or test-optional)
- Activities (extracurriculars)
- Writing (personal essay)
- Courses & Grades
- Program-specific questions
- College-specific supplements
Step 3: Common Missed Requirements
These are the sneaky things students forget:
✓ Signature and date on official agreements - Scroll to bottom of Family section
✓ Parent email addresses - Required in Family section
✓ Graduation date - Must be in the future if you're currently enrolled
✓ At least one activity - Even if you didn't do much, list something
✓ Test-optional declaration - If not submitting scores, must actively choose this
✓ Counselor recommendation - Must be submitted by your counselor
✓ Application fee paid OR fee waiver approved - Check payment status
⚠️ URGENT TIP: If it's within 12 hours of your deadline and you can't find the issue, contact the admissions office directly. Explain the technical problem and ask if you can submit what you have or get a brief extension. Most colleges are understanding about genuine technical difficulties.
"Error Occurred" When Clicking Submit
Problem: Server Overload
Common App experiences massive traffic surges from 9 PM to midnight on deadline nights. Everyone waits until the last minute, and servers can crash or slow dramatically.
What to do if this happens:
- Take a screenshot showing the error message with timestamp
- Keep trying every 2-3 minutes (don't spam-click)
- Try switching browsers
- Clear cache and try again
- If possible, use a different internet connection
Problem: Incomplete Submission
Sometimes you click submit, see a confirmation, but your dashboard still shows "not submitted." This happens when the final step doesn't complete fully.
Check these three places:
- Common App Dashboard - Should say "Submitted" with timestamp
- Email confirmation - You should receive one within 15 minutes
- College application portal - Create account and check status
If all three don't confirm submission, you haven't fully submitted yet.
📱 CRITICAL: Always submit at least 12-24 hours before the deadline. Technical issues are nearly guaranteed on deadline night. Don't risk it.
Proving You Tried to Submit on Time
If you experience technical failures near the deadline:
Document everything:
- Screenshot every error message with timestamps
- Note the exact time you attempted to submit
- Save any confirmation numbers or reference codes
- Record the browser and device you used
Contact colleges immediately:
- Email admissions offices the same night
- Explain the technical issue clearly
- Attach screenshots as proof
- Ask about extension procedures
Most colleges grant extensions for legitimate technical problems, but you need proof you tried to submit on time.
College-Specific Supplements Not Loading
Supplements are those extra essays and questions specific to each college. They can be finicky.
Supplement Questions Not Appearing
Problem: 24-Hour Delay
After adding a college to your list, supplements typically appear within minutes, but they can take up to 24 hours to show up in your dashboard. This is normal—don't panic.
Check back after a few hours. If it's been more than 24 hours and supplements still aren't appearing, try these steps:
- Remove the college from your list
- Log out and clear your browser cache
- Log back in
- Add the college again
- Wait 15-30 minutes
Problem: Cache Issues
Sometimes supplements are loaded but your browser is showing an old cached version of the page. Clear your cache (see the quick fixes section), then hard refresh the page (Ctrl+F5 on Windows, Cmd+Shift+R on Mac).
Problem: Deadline vs. Availability
Some colleges don't release their supplements until late summer or early fall. If you're working ahead (good for you!), you might be trying to access supplements that aren't available yet.
Check the college's admissions website for when supplements will be released.
Supplement Answers Not Saving
Important: College supplements use a different saving system than the main Common App. You must save each supplement individually—saving one school's supplement doesn't save others.
After completing a supplement:
- Scroll to the bottom of the page
- Click "Save" explicitly
- Wait for confirmation message
- Don't navigate away until you see "Saved" indicator
💡 PRO TIP: Write supplement essays in Google Docs first, then copy-paste into Common App. This gives you automatic backup and prevents losing work.
Mobile App vs. Desktop Issues
The Common App mobile experience is convenient for checking status, but it has serious limitations you need to know about.
When to Use Mobile vs. Desktop
Here's exactly what you should and shouldn't do on the mobile app:
| Task | Mobile App | Desktop | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Checking application status | ✓ Perfect | ✓ Perfect | Use whichever is convenient |
| Reading requirements | ✓ Great | ✓ Great | Mobile is fine |
| Writing short answers | ~ Okay | ✓ Much better | Do on desktop if possible |
| Writing essays | ✗ Don't do it | ✓ Always use desktop | Never write long essays on phone |
| Uploading documents | ✗ Often fails | ✓ Best | Only use desktop |
| Adding recommenders | ~ Sometimes works | ✓ Best | Desktop recommended |
| Making payments | ✗ Risky | ✓ Always use desktop | Never risk payment issues on mobile |
| Final submission | ✗ NEVER | ✓ ALWAYS | Desktop only—no exceptions |
✅ QUICK WIN: Use mobile to check what you need to do, then switch to desktop to actually do it. Think of the app as a checklist, not a full work environment.
Mobile-Specific Problems
Problem: App Keeps Crashing
Mobile app crashes usually mean you need to update the app or your phone's operating system. Check your app store for updates.
If crashes persist after updating:
- Delete the app completely
- Restart your phone
- Reinstall fresh from app store
- Log in and test
Problem: Syncing Issues Between Devices
Work on your application on your laptop, then check on your phone and your changes aren't there? Common App syncs automatically, but it can take a few minutes.
Force a sync:
- Make sure both devices have internet connection
- On mobile, pull down to refresh the dashboard
- On desktop, log out and log back in
- Wait 5 minutes for sync to complete
Problem: Features Not Available on Mobile
Some Common App features simply don't exist in the mobile app:
- Advanced document editing
- Detailed error messages
- Full recommender management
- Payment troubleshooting
- Technical support access
When you encounter limitations, switch to desktop. Don't try to force mobile to do something it's not designed for—you'll just waste time and create frustration.
Getting Help When Nothing Works
Sometimes you need to escalate to official support. Here's how to get help effectively.
Official Common App Support Channels
1. Common App Help Center (https://commonapp.my.site.com/support)
- Best for: Technical issues, how-to questions, account problems
- Response time: 24-48 hours (longer during peak season)
- How to use it: Search existing articles first—many answers are already documented
2. Submit a Support Request Navigate to the Help Center, click "Contact Us," and fill out the support form. Be specific:
- Describe exactly what you're trying to do
- List the error message word-for-word
- Note what you've already tried
- Include your Common App ID
3. Live Chat Support (When Available)
- Hours: Peak availability 9 AM - 5 PM EST, Monday-Friday
- Best for: Urgent issues during business hours
- Response time: Usually within 15 minutes
- Not available: Weekends, holidays, and outside business hours
4. Phone Support (Limited) Common App rarely provides phone support except for critical issues near major deadlines. Use email/chat for most problems.
When to Contact Colleges Directly
Sometimes you need to go straight to the admissions office instead of Common App:
Contact colleges directly for:
- Deadline extensions due to technical issues
- Questions about specific supplement requirements
- Document submission verification
- Application status after submission
- Fee waiver questions specific to that school
- Portfolio or special material uploads
Email Template for Technical Issues:
Subject: Technical Issue with Common App Submission - [Your Name]
Dear [College Name] Admissions Office,
I am experiencing technical difficulties submitting my Common Application
by the [deadline date] deadline.
Issue: [Describe specific problem - e.g., "Submit button remains greyed
out despite completing all required sections"]
What I've tried: [List troubleshooting steps - e.g., "Cleared browser cache,
tried different browsers, contacted Common App support"]
Evidence: [Mention attached screenshots with timestamps]
I am committed to applying to [College Name] and would appreciate guidance
on how to proceed. Would it be possible to receive a brief extension to
resolve this technical issue?
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Common App ID]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
Emergency Deadline Extensions
What constitutes a valid technical issue:
- Server crashes preventing submission
- Payment processor errors on Common App's end
- Document upload failures after multiple attempts
- Account access problems with confirmed support tickets
What doesn't qualify:
- Waiting until the last minute
- Forgetting your password
- Internet/computer problems on your end
- Not understanding requirements
Documentation you'll need:
- Screenshots with visible timestamps
- Error messages copied exactly
- Support ticket numbers from Common App
- Record of attempted submissions
Most colleges are reasonable about genuine technical difficulties, but you need clear evidence that you tried to submit on time and Common App prevented you from doing so.
Prevention Tips - Avoid Issues Before They Start
The best way to handle Common App technical issues is preventing them altogether. Here's your action plan.
Best Practices Timeline
Follow this schedule to avoid last-minute panic:
2 Weeks Before Deadline:
- [ ] Complete all sections except final review
- [ ] Test your payment method with a small purchase
- [ ] Verify all recommenders have submitted their letters
- [ ] Save backup copies of essays in Google Docs
- [ ] Take screenshots of completed sections
- [ ] Double-check college-specific requirements
1 Week Before Deadline:
- [ ] Review entire application for typos and errors
- [ ] Clear browser cache one final time
- [ ] Confirm all documents uploaded correctly
- [ ] Check that activities and honors display properly
- [ ] Verify parent signatures and information
- [ ] Make sure fee waivers processed (if applicable)
48-72 Hours Before Deadline:
- [ ] Do NOT make major changes (minor typos only)
- [ ] Submit applications for schools with earliest deadlines
- [ ] Create accounts on college application portals
- [ ] Prepare to submit remaining schools
24 Hours Before Deadline:
- [ ] Submit everything that's ready—don't wait
- [ ] Take final screenshots of submitted applications
- [ ] Save confirmation emails
- [ ] Note submission timestamps
⚠️ CRITICAL DEADLINE ADVICE: Submit at least 12-24 hours early. The number one cause of submission failures is waiting until 11 PM on deadline night when servers are overloaded. Don't be part of the problem!
Technical Preparation Checklist
Before you start working on applications:
Browser Requirements:
- [ ] Use Chrome (recommended) or Firefox
- [ ] Update to the latest version
- [ ] Disable ad blockers and privacy extensions for CommonApp.org
- [ ] Allow cookies and JavaScript
Internet Requirements:
- [ ] Stable connection with at least 5 Mbps speed
- [ ] Wired connection preferred over WiFi when submitting
- [ ] Have backup internet option ready (mobile hotspot, library, friend's house)
Computer Requirements:
- [ ] Desktop or laptop only (not phone or tablet)
- [ ] At least 1 GB free storage space
- [ ] Recent operating system (updated within past 2 years)
- [ ] Backup device available if possible
Timing Strategy:
- [ ] Work on applications during off-peak hours (early morning or afternoon)
- [ ] Avoid Sunday evenings and deadline nights
- [ ] Submit during business hours when support is available
- [ ] Never submit between 10 PM - 1 AM on deadline day
💡 PRO TIP: Create a "Common App Emergency Kit" with backup devices, hotspot access, printed copies of essays, and support contact information. Hope you never need it, but be glad it's there if you do.
What to Keep on Hand:
- Backup device (parent's laptop, school computer)
- Alternative internet access (phone hotspot, library card)
- Printed copies of all essays
- List of usernames/passwords
- Common App support phone/email
- School counselor's contact info
- Admissions office contacts for each college
Conclusion
Dealing with Common App troubleshooting can feel overwhelming, especially when deadlines loom and stress is high. But here's the truth: nearly every technical issue has a solution, and thousands of students overcome these same challenges every year.
Remember the most important fixes:
- Clear your cache and switch to Chrome for 70% of problems
- Submit at least 24 hours before deadlines to avoid server crashes
- Save manually every 5 minutes—don't trust autosave alone
- Contact admissions offices directly when you need help fast
- Document everything with screenshots if issues occur
You're not just filling out forms—you're taking a major step toward your future. Technical glitches are temporary frustrations, not permanent roadblocks.
Take action now:
Don't wait for problems to happen. Use the prevention checklist above to prepare properly, and give yourself plenty of time before deadlines. Your future self will thank you for not procrastinating.
Need more help with your application? Check out our complete guide to writing standout Common App essays that grab admissions officers' attention. [Link to: Common App Essay Writing Guide]
You've got this. Stay calm, follow the troubleshooting steps, and remember—colleges want you to succeed. When technical issues happen, they understand. Just communicate clearly, document problems, and keep pushing forward.
Now go submit those applications with confidence! 🎓
[Image: Happy student celebrating successful application submission at laptop]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Common App not working on my computer?
Common App issues usually stem from browser compatibility, cache problems, or slow internet. Start by clearing your browser cache and cookies, then switch to Chrome if you're using Safari or an outdated browser. Disable ad blockers and privacy extensions for CommonApp.org. If problems persist, restart your computer and ensure your internet connection is stable—Common App requires consistent bandwidth to save work properly.
What do I do if Common App crashes right before the deadline?
Take screenshots showing the error message with visible timestamps, then immediately contact both Common App support and the admissions offices of schools you're applying to. Most colleges grant extensions for legitimate technical failures if you have proof you attempted to submit on time. Keep trying to submit every few minutes, switch browsers, and try different internet connections. Don't give up—document everything and communicate with colleges.
How do I fix "session expired" errors on Common App?
Session expired errors occur after 20 minutes of inactivity. Prevent this by clicking "Save" every 5 minutes while working, which resets the activity timer. Write long essays in Google Docs first, then copy-paste when ready to avoid losing work. Keep a separate Common App tab open and refresh it occasionally to maintain your session. If you get logged out, log back in immediately—autosaved work should still be there.
Can I submit my Common App on my phone?
Technically yes, but it's strongly not recommended. The mobile app lacks critical features, has higher error rates, and can cause formatting problems with essays and documents. Use mobile only to check application status and requirements. Always submit applications from a desktop or laptop computer using Chrome browser. Payment processing and document uploads frequently fail on mobile devices.
Why won't my recommender's email go through?
Check these common issues: your recommender should look in spam/junk folders, verify the email address has no typos, and add noreply@commonapp.org to their contacts. Resend the invitation from your dashboard. Try their alternative email address. Some school email systems block external platforms—your recommender may need to whitelist commonapp.org with their IT department. Communication is key: text or call them to confirm receipt rather than just assuming.
What browsers work best with Common App?
Chrome has the highest compatibility rate (95%) and receives the most testing from Common App developers. Firefox works well as a second choice. Avoid Safari—many students report autosave failures, dropdown menu glitches, and upload problems, especially on older Mac systems. Microsoft Edge works adequately for most tasks. Always update your browser to the latest version and disable extensions that might interfere with site functionality.
How do I know if my Common App actually submitted?
Verify submission through three checkpoints: First, your Common App dashboard should display "Submitted" with a timestamp next to each college. Second, you should receive a confirmation email within 15 minutes (check spam if you don't see it). Third, create an account on each college's applicant portal and verify they received your application within 24-48 hours. If all three don't confirm submission, contact the admissions office immediately.
Why is the Submit button greyed out?
The Submit button stays greyed out when required sections remain incomplete. Check your dashboard for red dots or "incomplete" labels. Common missed items include: parent signatures in the Family section, at least one activity listed, test-optional declaration if not submitting scores, counselor recommendation submission, and payment or fee waiver approval. Click through every section systematically to find what's missing. The button turns blue only when everything is 100% complete.
Can Common App support help me with deadline extensions?
No—Common App support handles only technical issues with the platform itself. Deadline extensions come from individual colleges, not Common App. If you experience technical problems preventing submission, contact the admissions offices directly with documentation (screenshots, error messages, timestamps). They decide whether to grant extensions based on your specific situation and proof of legitimate technical difficulties.
What should I do if I paid twice by accident?
Contact Common App support immediately through their Help Center with screenshots of both charges, transaction dates and amounts, your Common App ID, and bank statements showing duplicate charges. Refunds typically process within 7-10 business days. While waiting for resolution, check if the charges are "pending" rather than finalized—pending charges often disappear automatically within 3-5 days as the payment system settles.
How long does it take for fee waivers to process?
Fee waivers typically process within 24-48 hours after your counselor approves them on their end. Check your status under Profile > Fee Waiver section—it will show "Pending," "Approved," or "Denied." Apply for fee waivers at least one week before application deadlines to ensure processing completes in time. If denied but you believe you qualify, contact your school counselor immediately with additional documentation to appeal.
Why are college supplements not appearing in my account?
Supplements usually appear within minutes of adding a college to your list, but can take up to 24 hours. If you're waiting longer, try removing the college, clearing your browser cache, logging out, then adding the college again. Some schools don't release supplements until late summer or early fall, so check the college's admissions website for availability dates. Hard refresh your browser (Ctrl+F5 or Cmd+Shift+R) to ensure you're not viewing cached content.