How to Put Teachers on Common App: A Guide for College Applicants (and Their Confused Parents)
So, you’re applying to college. You’ve got your essays polished, your extracurriculars listed, and your test scores (hopefully) looking good. But there’s one crucial piece of the puzzle missing: your teachers.
Hold on, you might be thinking, “How do I put my teachers on Common App?” Well, my friend, that’s where the magic (and maybe some mild panic) begins.
The Common App is like a mystical portal that connects your college dreams with the real world. It’s also the platform where you invite your teachers to write those all-important letters of recommendation.
But before you embark on this quest, let’s break down the process step-by-step.
1. Finding the “Recommenders” Section: The Treasure Hunt Begins
First things first, you need to find the “Recommenders” section on your Common App portal. Think of it as an ancient map leading to a hidden treasure – a treasure that will hopefully lead you to your dream school!
- Navigate to the “My Colleges” tab. This is where all the magic happens – the place where your college application dreams take flight.
- Look for the “Recommenders and FERPA” section. This is where you’ll encounter the first hurdle – navigating those cryptic acronyms. Fear not, my friend! We’re here to guide you through the process.
- Scroll down until you find the “Teacher” or “Other Recommender” section. Think of it like finding the hidden treasure chest. You’ll know it when you see it!
2. Assigning Your Teachers: The Art of Selection
Okay, you’ve found the treasure chest. Now, you need to choose your treasure – your recommenders! This is a big decision, so choose wisely.
- Think about your teachers who know you well. These are the folks who can paint a detailed picture of your academic prowess (and hopefully, your awesomeness!).
- Choose teachers from different subjects. This showcases your versatility and your ability to thrive in different academic environments.
- Remember, you can assign multiple teachers. Why limit yourself to just one?
3. Inviting Your Teachers: The Crucial First Step
Now, it’s time to send out the invitations. Think of this as sending out those formal “Save the Date” cards – except for college applications.
- Click on the “Teacher” or “Other Recommender” box. This is where you’ll select the specific teacher you want to invite.
- Click on the “Assign” button. This is where the magic begins. Your teacher will receive a notification via email.
4. The Teacher’s Side: Navigating the Recommender Portal
Now, the ball is in your teacher’s court.
- Once your teacher receives your invitation, they’ll need to create a teacher profile. This is like a teacher’s version of your college application.
- They only need to create this profile once. They can then use it to submit recommendations for all their students.
- Your teacher can then submit your recommendation. This is the moment of truth.
5. Updating Recommender Information: Just in Case
What happens if your teacher changes schools or emails? Don’t worry, it’s not a disaster!
- Log into your Common App account.
- Navigate to the “Recommenders and FERPA” section.
- Find the teacher whose information you need to update.
- Make the necessary changes.
6. The “Other Recommender” Option: Beyond the Classroom
Sometimes, you might need a recommendation from someone outside the classroom.
- Check if the college you’re applying to accepts “Other Recommenders.” Not all colleges allow this, so make sure to check first.
- Think about who can write a strong recommendation. A counselor, a coach, or a community leader could be great options.
7. What Happens if You Can’t Assign a Recommender?
This can happen if the college doesn’t accept the type of recommender you’re trying to assign.
- Check the college’s specific requirements.
- Consider contacting the college directly. They might have additional instructions.
8. The Common App for Recommenders: A Teacher’s Perspective
The Common App isn’t just for students. It also has a special portal for recommenders.
- Teachers can use this portal to track requests, manage their school’s information, and view submission status.
- It’s like a teacher’s control panel for college recommendations.
9. Tips for Success: Unlocking the Secrets of Recommendations
- Communicate with your teachers! Let them know when you’re submitting your applications and give them a heads up about your deadlines.
- Provide your teachers with information about yourself. Share your resume, your transcripts, and any other relevant materials that will help them write a strong recommendation.
- Show your appreciation. Thank your teachers for their time and effort.
10. The Final Word: A College Application Odyssey
Putting teachers on Common App can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! Just remember to follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to submitting a stellar college application.
Remember, your teachers are your allies in this college application journey. They want to see you succeed, so work with them to create the best possible recommendations.
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