<p>The fear that even the tiniest logistical element could be a deciding factor is very strong in college admissions these days, in my observation. Hence, the endless anguishing we used to hear about whether to apply online vs. not, use the common app vs. school’s own. The notion that a call might get you or your kid a “black mark on the permanent record” is at play in this particular question, I think.</p>
<p>It’s understandable. All the power seems to be on the other end. Having been through it a few times, I do believe it is really the substance that decides an applicant’s fate - not which app format or whether you called with a question. And, like CGM, I have found admissions’ staff to be almost uniformly helpful and understanding.</p>
<p>Further, I think folks have no clue as to the logistical deluge schools are working with. When DS applied for transfer to JHU (where he is now), it was 2 1/2 <em>months</em> after his app went in before they even had a chance to process and catalog the transfer apps. It’s a shorter time horizon for ED/EA apps, but the same phenomenon. They are overwhelmed. It will almost always be fine.</p>
<p>But I understand the worry. So it’s okay to call. If you get an unfriendly voice, try again another time and hope for a friendlier person.</p>