SUBMITTED VS. COMPLETED: UNDERSTANDING THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS

Why This Matters

Imagine this: A student rushes into your office, overjoyed and proud — they've just submitted their first college application! You celebrate with them, acknowledging this important milestone. But the very next day, the same student returns, panicked. They’ve received an email from the college listing all the missing components that make their application “incomplete.” Now they’re urgently contacting teachers for recommendations and begging you to send their transcript immediately. To add fuel to the fire, a parent begins emailing and calling, demanding everything be sent that day because, they insist, the school is hurting their child’s chances of getting accepted.

This is not uncommon — and it stems from a misunderstanding of the difference between submitting an application and having it marked as complete by the college.

Scenario 2: “We’re Waiting to Submit”

Here’s another common situation: A student and parent come to your office and say they’re not ready to submit the application. Why? Because their transcript and recommendation letters haven’t been sent yet — and they believe the application cannot be submitted until those items are in the college’s hands. In some cases, they even believe the college won’t accept the student if everything isn’t submitted on August 1st.

Let’s clarify the confusion.

The Key Difference

Submitted Application

This means the student has filled out and turned in all the parts they are responsible for:

• Personal information

• Academic records (self-reported)

• Activities and honors

• Essays and writing prompts

• Payment (or fee waiver)

  
  

Once they click “Submit,” their part of the application is done. Colleges now have the student’s information and can begin initial sorting, tracking, and preparing for review.

However...

Completed Application

An application is complete once all required supporting documents have arrived:

• Official high school transcript

• Letters of recommendation

• Test scores (if required)

Colleges use these materials to verify what the student reported in their submitted application. Until those are received, the application remains incomplete.

What Happens After Submission?

It’s common for students to receive an automated email saying their application is incomplete. This does not mean their submission is invalid. It simply means the school is still waiting for materials to arrive.

Colleges expect a delay in receiving items like transcripts and recommendations — especially in the early weeks after applications open in August. If a student submits on August 15 and a transcript arrives August 30, that’s perfectly fine. Admissions offices account for this and build in time.

In fact, many colleges begin reviewing applications in September or October. So long as everything is in before deadlines, students are in good standing.

Important Caution: Don’t Submit at 11:59 PM

On the flip side, if a student submits their application at 11:59 PM on the final deadline, but hasn’t requested recommendations or transcripts in advance, there’s a real problem. The college cannot move forward with the application if required materials arrive after the deadline.

Colleges reasonably expect that students:

• Plan ahead

• Give recommenders adequate time

• Ensure all materials are in by the deadline

  
  

Waiting until the last minute and pressuring teachers or counselors to “rush it in” is not only inconsiderate — it can hurt the student’s chances if the materials arrive late or the recommendation lacks quality due to time constraints. In addition, the recommendation may state issues of poor time management and irresponsibility on the student’s part.

The Takeaway: Communication Is Key

Helping students (and parents) understand the difference between “submitted” and “complete” applications can:

• Reduce stress

• Prevent panic over automated emails

• Avoid unnecessary tension with teachers and counselors

• Set more realistic expectations

Let’s continue to celebrate the milestone of submitting applications — while also making sure students understand that it’s just one step in a bigger process.