The Common App: A Love-Hate Relationship (Or How to Add Teachers to Your College Applications)
The Common App. It’s a magical portal to your future, a gateway to endless possibilities, or, at least, that’s what everyone tells you. But let’s be real, folks, it’s also a giant, bureaucratic monster that loves to throw curveballs at you. One of those curveballs? Adding teachers as recommenders.
You’re probably thinking, “It’s just a few clicks, right? What could possibly go wrong?” Oh, sweet summer child, you have much to learn.
But fear not, my dear reader, because I’m here to guide you through this treacherous landscape. We’re going to conquer the Common App, one recommender at a time.
The Common App: Where Dreams Go To Die (Or At Least Get A Little More Complicated)
So, you’re ready to apply to colleges and you’ve found your dream schools (or at least the schools that seem to be the least intimidating). You’re confident, you’re prepared, and you’re ready to conquer the world of college applications.
Then you see it: “Recommenders.”
Suddenly, the world starts spinning. You’ve got to find teachers, counselors, mentors, anyone with a pulse who can write a glowing recommendation and convince these Ivy League admissions committees that you’re the next Einstein, the next Curie, the next… well, you get the picture.
But how do you actually add teachers to the Common App?
Finally, The Answer: A Step-by-Step Guide
Okay, deep breaths. We’re going to take this one step at a time. Imagine it’s like climbing Mount Everest, but instead of a mountain, it’s your computer screen, and instead of Sherpas, you have me.
- The My Colleges Tab: Your Gateway to Recommendation Glory
First things first, head over to the “My Colleges” tab. It’s your central hub for managing all your applications. Think of it as the control room of your college application journey.
- The “Recommenders and FERPA” Section: A Treasure Trove of Recommendations
Within the “My Colleges” tab, you’ll find a section called “Recommenders and FERPA.” FERPA? It sounds like a mythical creature or a supervillain from a comic book, but it’s actually quite mundane. It stands for the “Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act,” and it basically governs who can access your educational records.
But don’t worry, we’re not here to dissect the legalities of FERPA, we’re here to find those precious teachers! So, scroll down until you see the “Teacher” or “Other Recommender” section.
- The “Assign” Button: The Key to Your Recommendation Destiny
You’ll see a list of teachers and other recommenders you can choose from. Click on the box next to the teacher you want to assign. Then, get ready for the grand finale: click the “Assign” button.
But Wait, There’s More!
You might be thinking, “Hold on, I thought I was done!”
Not quite. The Common App has a few more tricks up its sleeve.
Here’s the Deal with Teachers and Other Recommenders:
- You can invite the same teacher as a “Teacher” and an “Other Recommender.” That’s right, you can get them to write two letters of recommendation! It’s like hitting the jackpot on a slot machine, but with a lot less flashing lights and a lot more stress.
- You can’t add a teacher to your application without their permission. They need to be willing to be your recommender. So, before you start clicking “Assign,” make sure you’ve talked to your teacher and gotten their blessing. Otherwise, you’ll be left with an empty “Recommenders” section and a very disappointed teacher.
The Common App: Where Teachers Become Your Personal Support System (Or At Least Your Letter Writers)
Once you’ve assigned your teachers, they’ll receive an email with a link to create an account. They can then log in and access your application, which will give them all the information they need to write a stellar recommendation.
But Wait, There’s More!
The Common App can also help you add teacher evaluations. For Common App colleges, students use Xello to send a request for a Teacher evaluation.
The Golden Rule of Teacher Recommendations:
Don’t forget: these recommendations are crucial to your application. So, make sure you’re choosing teachers who know you well, have seen your best work, and are willing to write a positive and thoughtful letter.
The Common App: A Journey Filled With Challenges and Triumphs
The Common App can be a daunting beast, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a little patience, a little bit of strategy, and a lot of coffee, you can conquer this application beast.
Remember: teachers are your allies in this process. They want to see you succeed, and they’re willing to help you get there. So, don’t be afraid to ask for their support. They may be a little stressed by the process, too, but hey, you’re not alone in this.
Still Need Help?
If you’re still feeling lost in the labyrinth of the Common App, or if you just need a little extra support, don’t hesitate to reach out to the JobLoving community. We’re a group of seasoned college application experts (and we’ve all survived the Common App, so we know what we’re talking about).
We’re here to help you navigate the treacherous waters of college applications – one teacher recommendation at a time.