I made the worst mistake EVER

Applying to College Common and Coalition Application
1

like an IDIOT, I for some reason underestimated the meaning of ‘language proficiency’, and jotted down that I could read and write in German (which I do study, but as I learned not enough to claim proficiency). I wanted to take it off after learning proficiency wasn’t so much ‘in the process of learning’ as it was ‘fluency or near fluency’. I am not comfortable saying I’m fluent, so I removed it from my applications… but upon double checking the submitted Common App applications, I saw that it did not remove German from my ‘proficiency’ list as I was so sure it did (might be my bad wifi, I live in the country). I know I’m not able to change my application now, but is there anything I can do to try and have it removed? Is there someone I can call and explain this to? I applied to Dartmouth and USC and I really don’t want a lie on my application because I misunderstood and the application wasn’t able to update.

Thank you, and again, I really do acknowledge the mistake on my part. It was unintentional and please know that I AM kicking myself over it.

2

If true, just state that you are “proficient”, rather than fluent, in German.

You are fine. This is a minor slip which can easily be corrected.

3

This is not “the worst mistake ever” and is barely even a mistake. You shouldn’t be worrying about it, it likely won’t affect your application at all. You’re likely one of hundreds of applicants to do this. If you really want to, you can call and ask, but you don’t have to and it likely won’t change your admissions outcome.

4

Stop kicking yourself! Just email the admissions offices and explain the misunderstanding. It will not reflect poorly on you.