Are you wondering ‘how to delete your Common App account’? Whether you’re transitioning to a different application process or want to clean up your online presence, deleting your Common App account might be a task on your to-do list. This article will guide you step-by-step, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Understanding the Common App Account
The Common Application (Common App) is an undergraduate college admission application that students may use to apply to any of 900+ member colleges and universities in 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as in Canada, China, and many European countries. It’s an excellent tool for streamlining the college application process, but you might not need your account if your circumstances change. Before we delve into the steps to deleting your Common App account, it’s important to note that it doesn’t allow account deletion. However, you can take steps to deactivate and ensure your data is no longer accessible.
Steps to Deactivate Your Common App Account
Step 1: Download and Save the Necessary Information
If you have any critical data or documents in your account, download them and save them in a safe place. This might include application drafts, essays, or reference letters. The process can be done as follows:
- Log in to your Common App account.
- Navigate to the respective sections (e.g., ‘My Colleges’ or ‘Common App’) to find your data.
- Copy the data and save it offline or print it out.
Step 2: Delete Personal Information
Once you’ve secured all necessary data, the next step is to delete as much personal information as possible from your account.
- Log in to your Common App account.
- Go to the ‘Account Settings’ or ‘Profile’ section.
- Overwrite or delete your details, such as name, address, phone number, etc.
Step 3: Change Your Email Address
To further ensure your privacy, change the email address associated with the account.
- Log in to your Common App account.
- Go to the ‘Account Settings’ or ‘Profile’ section.
- Change your email to a throwaway or dummy email address.
Step 4: Unsubscribe from Emails
To stop receiving emails from the Common App, you must unsubscribe from their mailing list.
- Log in to your Common App account.
- Go to the ‘Account Settings’ or ‘Profile’ section.
- Find the ‘Email Preferences’ or similar section and select ‘Unsubscribe.’
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reactivate my Common App account after deactivation?
No, once the steps to deactivate your account have been taken, there’s no official way to reactivate it. You must create a new account to use the Common App again.
Can I delete my submitted applications from the Common App?
No, it can’t be deleted or removed once you’ve applied to the Common App. This is because the data is immediately sent to the colleges or universities you applied to.
What happens to my data after deactivating my Common App account?
After deactivating your account, the data becomes inaccessible from your end. However, per the Common App’s privacy policy, they may retain certain information for their records unless and until you ask them to delete it.
Conclusion
While it’s impossible to completely delete your Common App account due to the platform’s policies, the steps outlined in this guide will help you deactivate your account and secure your privacy. Keep vital information before beginning this process and carefully remove or overwrite as much personal data as possible. In a digital world where privacy is paramount, these precautions will help keep your information safe.
As you navigate your journey through college applications and beyond, making informed decisions about the digital footprints you leave behind is essential. We hope this guide on ‘how to delete your Common App account’ has empowered you to take control of your online presence.
