Mistakenly Reported Unnecessary Infraction on Common App, Already Submitted!

Applying to College
1

Hi everyone!

I just have a simple question I hope I can get answered. Recently I submitted my Common App to all my prospective colleges, but while talking with my peers afterwards I realized I totally misunderstood the misdemeanor/felony question the Common App asks!

I was under the impression that civil infractions were misdemeanors, and reported an incident when I didn’t realize I needed to pay a public transportation fee when I was younger. Now I realize I answered yes to the question when I didn’t need to because I never committed anything serious enough to be considered an actual misdemeanor or felony.

So, my question is: should I contact the admission offices of the colleges to let them know of their mistake, or should I just let it go?

2

Oops I meant to say the* mistake at the end there. It was my fault, not their’s haha.

3

Let it go. Some admissions officers may get a good chuckle out of it, but will otherwise ignore it.

4

Yes, I would let them know so that they aren’t thinking it’s something serious. Nothing specific is indicated already on the Common App, correct? I think a simple follow up will let them know of your mistake. It’ll be ok because it’s nothing serious.

5

Incorrect. If you answer “yes” to the discipline question, you receive the following prompt:

6

The two questions about disciplinary history are pretty clear. So is the request for an explanation. If you did explain, they will see your confusion. No, don’t contact them. They aren’t going to absurdly assume not paying a fare is anything more than it is.

7

I provided a clear explanation of the incident to the best of my ability, so hopefully they’ll see I was just confused.

Thank you for all the replies!

8

I didn’t realize your situation was explained thoroughly already on your application. I would not follow up since they can read what happened.

9

If I was the reader, I would consider you honest and be more apt to trust other parts of your application. No harm at all. :slight_smile:

10

You are only guilty of over sharing:). No worries!