My son called an admissions office last week to make sure an item got added to his application. I was proud of him (like so many of our text-and-email kids, he’s shy about making actual phone calls). But he forgot to double check whether all his materials are in and his application is complete (EA Nov 1 deadline). We’re 99% sure everything is in; he didn’t get any email requests for anything more, and his portal doesn’t show any items that need action. But unlike other colleges, he didn’t get an email saying “your application is complete.” The worrier Mom in me would love to verify that everything is complete. But he’s not going to want to call again, because he’s not a worrier like me (probably good that he isn’t!). If his portal has no to-do items, is he all set? Should he call and check? If I volunteer to call, would the admission office talk to me, or are they not allowed to give any info to me because I’m not the applicant? (He’s 17 if it makes a difference.) Thanks!
I don’t think mine got any emails saying complete, but we checked the portal and he’s aware what is missing.
There’s your answer.
Many colleges show updates on the portal and, therefore see no need to send out extraneous emails. If the portal shows all required materials received, then the application is complete.
Under no circumstances should you call admissions; this is his journey, not yours
That’s why it’s confusing. The portal doesn’t show anything that was received, except for his Common App. He sent his SATs and APs weeks ago. Common App shows that his recommenders have uploaded their letters, weeks ago. He requested transcripts from his counselor, weeks ago. But there’s nothing on the college portal that says “AP scores, check; SAT scores, check; letters of rec, check; school transcript, check.” Nothing that says “application complete.” On the other hand, there’s nothing that says, “We’re missing your XYZ” either.
Without knowing the school, portals generally list all line items that are required with the status. Portals don’t generally update with optional materials, e.g. AP exams.
If recs and transcripts are required, and the portal shows nothing, he can contact admissions to confirm receipt
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