Respond to info requests

Overview

In February and March, colleges may request additional information: updated transcripts, test scores, clarifying details, or mid-year grades. Respond promptly.

Types of Information Requests

Mid-Year Report

• Most common request
• Your counselor should send automatically
• If school reports a missing MYR, confirm with counselor and remind

Updated Test Scores

• If you took later SATs/ACTs
• College Board or ACT must send officially (not self-reported)

Transcript Corrections

• If your transcript has errors
• If your school reports dropped or changed courses
• If you've taken community college courses not yet reflected

Essay Clarifications

• Very rare; usually only for suspected errors or discrepancies
• Respond factually, not defensively

Activity Clarifications

• Admissions may ask for more detail on specific activities
• Be specific, accurate, and concise

Disciplinary Updates

• If you've had any disciplinary incidents after submission
• You're obligated to report (if the application asked)
• Contact your counselor first

Response Timing

• Reply to admissions emails within 48 hours
• Acknowledge receipt even if you need time to gather information
• Don't ignore emails from "yield@" or "admissions@" senders

Professional Tone

• Address with "Dear Admissions Committee" or specific name
• Concise, direct responses
• No excuses or excessive explanation
• Gratitude for the opportunity to clarify

What NOT to Do

• Ignore the email hoping it goes away
• Respond defensively or emotionally
• Send updates they didn't ask for
• Have parents respond on your behalf

Sample Response

Dear Admissions Committee,

Thank you for reaching out. I will [provide requested info] by [specific date].

[If information is already available: brief response with facts]

Please let me know if there's anything else I can provide.

Sincerely, [Your name] [Application ID]

If You're Not Sure How to Answer

• Consult your counselor
• Ask for clarification from admissions
• Respond with what you do know and commit to providing more detail

Saving Communications

Keep records of:

• The original request
• Your response
• Any follow-up emails
• Screenshots of portal updates

After Responding

• Monitor your portal for status updates
• Don't over-email with follow-up requests
• Trust that admissions will process in order