Common Application Woes

As if college applications aren't stressful enough, this year students and counselors alike are battling the baffling new Common Application. Things have gotten so bad the CA has been sending out daily emails about problems and fixes. Unfortunately, the former seem to outnumber the latter.
However, there is some help available, and lots of advice for those struggling with the whole process. The first suggestion is true no matter what--don't try to submit on the day before a big deadline. If the site crashes (and it has already done that on October 14), then you may have a big problem. Work on the application way ahead of schedule and click the submit button well ahead of the deadlines to be sure things work.
Second suggestion: browse around the web for suggestions! Here is one site that may help:
http://drstrangecollege.wordpress.com/2013/10/20/got-common-app-problems-heres-what-were-trying/
It has a handy link to a downloadable guide to the Common App that may save you some headaches. There are some little tricks people have found that may help you avoid difficulties, so scout around and keep ahead of what's happening.
Keep up with news from the colleges you are applying to, as well. Several have changed their deadlines for early decision, some have offered the opportunity to turn in a paper copy of your application, and all are as concerned about getting your application as you are to get it to them. Take advantage of the links to the college, such as facebook pages and twitter, so you can find out the latest news from their admissions departments.
Make sure to check for supplements for each college--not all of them have one, but with the new interface having so many problems, you don't want to miss it. Here is a site that gives a handy chart including whether a college has a supplement, as well as how many recommendations and when the deadlines are. Check it out: https://www.collegedata.com/cs/content/common_app_colleges.jhtml
And don't forget to inform me of the colleges you are applying to well ahead of time, so I can get your documents to the school on time. Although the colleges are adjusting to this unexpected snafu with Common App, they will only be so patient for your application to be completed by school documents.