FERPA: The Common App’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Policy (But Seriously, Just Sign It!)
So, you’ve finally finished your Common App. You’ve painstakingly crafted essays that would make Shakespeare cry with envy, meticulously listed all your extracurricular activities (yes, even that time you helped your neighbor’s hamster escape its cage counts), and your GPA is looking as impressive as a unicorn riding a unicycle while juggling flaming torches. You’re ready to hit that “submit” button and send your application off to the college of your dreams, right?
Hold on, cowboy! Before you gallop off into the sunset of college acceptance, there’s one more hurdle: FERPA.
FERPA (The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) is like the gatekeeper of your academic life. It’s a federal law that protects the privacy of your educational records. Think of it as a metaphorical shield, preventing nosy neighbors and (gasp!) even your parents from snooping on your grades and other school-related information.
But here’s where the Common App gets a little… complicated.
The Common App asks you to waive your FERPA rights. This means letting colleges see your recommendation letters, which are basically your teachers giving you the ultimate “you’re awesome!” stamp of approval.
Now, you might be thinking, “Why would I let colleges see my recommendations? What if they’re not glowing reviews?”
Well, here’s the deal: it’s in your best interest to sign that FERPA waiver.
Think of it this way:
- Your recommendations are like secret weapons. They’re a chance for your teachers to sing your praises and highlight your strengths in a way that you can’t do yourself.
- Colleges want to see your full picture. By signing the waiver, you’re showing them that you’re confident in your recommendations and that you’re not hiding anything.
- Not signing the waiver can raise red flags. Colleges might wonder why you’re so hesitant to let them see your recommendation letters. It could make them think that your recommendations are less than stellar, or worse, that you’re trying to hide something.
Bottom line: signing the FERPA waiver is a no-brainer. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in your college application.
But How Do I Sign This FERPA Waiver Thingy Anyway?
Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think.
- Complete the “Education Section” of your Common App. This is where you list all the schools you’ve attended.
- Navigate to the “My Colleges” tab and then “Recommenders and FERPA”.
- Click on “FERPA Release Authorization”. Read the information carefully, and then check the appropriate boxes.
That’s it! You’re officially a FERPA waiver pro.
The “Advisor” Feature: A Chance for a Second Opinion (But Not for Mom and Dad)
The Common App’s “Recommenders and FERPA” section has another cool feature: the “Advisor”.
An Advisor is basically your personal application cheerleader. You can invite anyone you trust to review your application and offer feedback. This could be a parent, a friend, a counselor, or even a wise old guru who lives in a cave in the Himalayas.
But here’s the catch:
- You can’t invite your parents (sorry, Mom and Dad!). This is to ensure that you’re the one driving your college application process.
- Your Advisor can’t see your recommendations. They’re only there to offer feedback on your essays and other application materials.
Think of your Advisor as a trusted friend who can help you polish your application and make sure it’s the best it can be.
Don’t Be a FERPA-phobe!
FERPA can seem intimidating, but it’s really just a way to protect your privacy and ensure that your college application process is fair and transparent.
By signing the FERPA waiver, you’re showing colleges that you’re confident in your academic record and that you’re not afraid to let them see your true potential.
So, go ahead and sign that waiver. You’ve got this!
And remember, if you have any questions about FERPA, the Common App, or anything else related to your college application journey, don’t hesitate to reach out to our amazing community of college application experts at JobLoving. We’re here to help you navigate the college application process and make sure you get into your dream school.