Emergency Measures for Early Decision Applicants

Last year's October blackout left many early decision applicants electronically paralyzed, unable to complete their college applications by the November 1 deadline. It was a freak storm and a rare, unfortunate situation that caught many by surprise.

As freaky as it was, it looks like it's poised to happen again. This time, though, we can be prepared. Regardless of the weather forecasts, many of my students were already somewhat frantic about completing their early decision apps. With the very real potential for several days of power outages ahead, it's imperative that that early decision applicants take emergency measures (beyond stocking up on water and batteries).

CollegePrepExpress recommends the following precautions for those with looming 11/1 deadlines:

• EXPECT that you will have no power from Monday through the deadline (this Thursday at midnight)
• BACK UP ALL of your essays and materials (personal essay, extracurricular blurb, and supplements) to Dropbox or on external drives (flash drives and portable external hard drives) and keep them in a safe place
• PRINT your entire application, whatever shape it's in, on Sunday night before you go to bed
• PLAN what you might do when it comes time to submit and you have to use a laptop, your portable backups, and either someone else's internet (which may involve driving a considerable distance) or tethering to a cell phone at the closest point with cell service

Even if you aren't submitting early decision, make sure you back up and/or print any college admissions materials you've worked on so far. Remember, power surges and water damage can destroy your electronic files in an instant.

Above all -- stay safe!