When do colleges open an applicant's file?

If an applicant has not submitted the Common App to a school yet, but has sent SAT scores and community college transcript, do the schools open up a file for that student and possibly even give him an ID number? Or do they wait until the Common App is submitted to open a file?

I ask because my S just went on an overnight visit to his #1 school, to which he is applying RD. He’s already sent test scores and DE course grades, but he has not submitted Common App yet. We’ve heard that the overnight host is supposed to submit feedback (report? questionnaire?) on the prospective student after the visit. Wondering where this feedback goes if the file isn’t open yet. Does anyone know?

I’ve been wondering about this for a while now. Also wondering if S should call to check to see if SAT scores have arrived (since so many seem to be missing), but would they be able to check if he doesn’t have a file open yet?

This happens ALL the time. If and when the app eventually appears, everything gets synced up.

My question is that if S calls to see if his SAT scores have arrived, would the schools be able to find them if he doesn’t have an open file yet?

My hunch is yes. You could provide your full legal name/SAT ID number and it could probably be found. That being said, I doubt they have given you an application ID for the school yet. Once you submit all required parts of the application, then the school will notify you if scores are missing. I’m pretty sure the delays have been cleared and everything is up-to-date. I wouldn’t bother calling.

I’m confused as to why you are asking this question…can you elaborate?

The overnight host will probably have your S fill out a one-page “About You” paper --that’s what I had to do at one of my schools. It’ll all get matched up at the end.

Generally, an official file is only opened once the application fee is paid.
Through the Common App, the fee is paid in conjunction with submission so when you’re S submits the application, a file will be opened. The admissions office will then sync up any scores they’ve downloaded (via his SSI number) and any additional materials they may have accumulated for him.