What to Do When you Can't Answer a Question on the Application

If you have read our application page, you know that we say if you do not know an answer, please do not guess. What happens when our application deadline is looming and you find yourself faced with a number of questions you can't answer? Is it worth it to even submit an application? In a word, yes. However, in order to make your application stand out to the intended parent(s) there are certain steps you can take depending on what information you are missing.

For example, one section of the application that immediately draws the intended parents' attention is the section regarding test scores. While our clients all know that test scores are not the sole indicator of a person's intelligence, it is one tool the intended parents use to start narrowing down their candidates. There are a few solutions to this problem. The first solution is to indicate a range if you do not remember the exact score. For example, if you can't remember if your SAT score was 1310 or 1360, it is fine to write 1310-1360. Another option is to indicate that the score is unknown but that it was high enough to qualify you for a number of universities and then list the names of several of them. A third option is to indicate that you have contacted the testing bureau to request a copy of your scores and that you will provide them when they arrive. This lets the intended parents know you are willing and able to provide the scores.

Another section that is frequently missing information is the family background section. Often many applicants are not aware of the education, occupation and physical characteristics of their grandparents. While this section is not as likely to standout when items are left blank like the test score section, it is still important to our clients or the questions would not be asked. For this section it is best to include a short note with your application indicating whether or not you can obtain the information and if you can, when you will be able to provide it. If you are unable to ever provide the information, it won't necessarily rule you out, but it will go a long way with the intended parents if you address the situation in an email so they understand you are taking the application seriously.

There are certain sections of the application that should never be left blank. These are the questions that deal with your personal traits, medical history and educational background. If you do not answer these, the intended parents are likely to think you have something you do not want to disclose.

Finally, when in doubt about the completeness of your application, include a cover letter. A personal letter to the intended parents addressing any missing information will definitely make your application standout. In addition, it will prevent any assumptions that are made as to why your application is not complete. What intended parents want to see is a true desire to provide as much information as possible and a willingness to obtain information you don't readily have on hand. If you see our ad the day before an application deadline, it is perfectly reasonable to indicate a time constraint as the reason you are missing some information. However, please do not take advantage of this and make sure the remainder of your application is as detailed as possible.

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