Common App Document Submission Issues: Delivery Delays & Document Quality Concerns
We’d like to inform you about recent technical issues identified on the Common App platform in November, 2024, impacting document submissions across multiple integration partners and schools. Cialfo is working closely with Common App as they address these challenges. Below is an overview of the issues, actions taken, and guidance for counselors to help manage any impacts effectively.
1. Document Delivery Delays to Universities
Issue:
Documents sent via Common App by various integration partners, including Cialfo, have occasionally experienced delays or failures in reaching universities. Common App has confirmed that these transmission issues are on their end and may impact schools receiving documents.
Solution (Implemented):
Cialfo has provided Common App with a list of students affected by delayed document downloads, ensuring these cases receive prompt attention.
Common App has begun reviewing and forwarding these documents to universities, notifying them that the delays were due to a technical issue on their end.
Common App is actively investigating the root cause and implementing measures to prevent future delays. Cialfo and other partners continue to monitor submissions and promptly report any additional cases.
Next Steps:
We will share updates as Common App implements solutions. Should any further delays occur, impacted institutions will be notified by Common App as quickly as possible.
2. Blurry or Corrupted Document Files
Issue:
As Common App applies watermarks containing applicant IDs to documents, file quality may occasionally be compromised, resulting in blurry or, in rare cases, corrupted files. This issue, which is visible in the final PDF sent to universities, can affect documents sent from all integration platforms. Currently, Common App does not have an automated detection system for these quality issues, which may lead some institutions to receive documents in suboptimal formats.
Action Required from Counselors:
If a university contacts you about a blurry or corrupted document, we recommend the following steps:
Resend the Document: Counselors can resend the document through an Optional Report or directly to the university, depending on the institution’s request.
Contact Common App Support: For direct assistance or to report specific cases, counselors can reach out to Common App Support here. Common App is aware of these issues and can assist with any new cases as they arise.
Common App’s Long-Term Solutions & Communication
Common App has informed affected colleges and universities of these issues and is actively working on long-term solutions to prevent future occurrences. They are also developing automated detection to ensure the quality of all document submissions moving forward.
Recommendation:
For updates on specific cases, Common App encourages direct contact through their support link.
Additional Support from Cialfo
Cialfo will continue to work closely with Common App and perform frequent checks to identify and address any new issues. For questions or additional assistance, please contact Cialfo Support. We appreciate your patience and partnership as Common App works to enhance the document submission experience for all integration partners and schools.