The Common App and Your Teacher’s “Love Letter” (Spoiler Alert: It’s Not Romantic)
So, you’re applying to college, and you’ve finally convinced your favorite teacher to write you a glowing recommendation. You’re thinking, “This is it! My college dreams are about to come true!” But then you realize, you have absolutely no clue how to get this letter of recommendation from your teacher’s computer into the hands of the college admissions committee. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This is a question that has haunted countless high school seniors, and we’re here to break down the process, making it as painless as possible (because, let’s be honest, college applications are anything but painless).
The Common App: Your One-Stop Shop for College Applications (Except for the Part Where You Have to Get Your Teacher Involved)
The Common App is a lifesaver for college applicants. It’s like the Amazon Prime of college applications, allowing you to submit your essays, transcripts, and other vital information to multiple colleges with just a few clicks. However, when it comes to letters of recommendation, the Common App becomes a bit more… involved.
Here’s the deal. The Common App doesn’t directly accept letters of recommendation from teachers. Instead, they use a system called Xello. Think of Xello as the middleman, the trusty postman who delivers your teacher’s recommendation to the Common App.
Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting Your Teacher’s Recommendation via the Common App
- Get Your Teacher’s Email Address: This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many students forget this crucial step. You can’t send an invitation to submit a recommendation without knowing where to send it.
- Go to the “Recommenders and FERPA” Section: Once you’ve signed into the Common App, navigate to the “My Colleges” tab. You’ll find a section called “Recommenders and FERPA.” Click on it, and prepare to be bombarded with information about FERPA (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, for those who haven’t had the pleasure of encountering it).
- Find the “Teacher” or “Other Recommender” Option: Scroll down through the ‘Recommenders and FERPA’ section until you see the option for “Teacher” or “Other Recommender.” Click on it.
- Enter Your Teacher’s Email Address: Now, it’s time to finally use that email address you so painstakingly obtained. Enter your teacher’s email address into the designated field.
- Send the Invitation: Hit that “Send Invitation” button and brace yourself for the moment of truth. This is where your teacher will receive an email with instructions on how to submit the recommendation.
- Wait Patiently: This is the part where you have to exercise patience. Your teacher will need to write the recommendation, upload it to Xello, and then submit it to the Common App. This can take a few days or even weeks, so don’t freak out if you don’t see the recommendation appear in your Common App account immediately.
- Check Your Common App Account: Once your teacher has submitted the recommendation, you’ll see a notification in your Common App account. You won’t be able to see the actual content of the recommendation, but you’ll know it’s there.
Alternative Options: When the Common App Isn’t Enough
The Common App isn’t the only application platform out there. Some colleges use the Coalition Application, while others have their own unique application systems.
- Coalition Application: If all the colleges you’re applying to use the Coalition Application, the process is similar to the Common App. You’ll enter your teacher’s email address on the application form and send an invitation. Your teacher will then receive an email with instructions on how to upload the recommendation.
- Individual College Applications: If a college doesn’t use the Common App or the Coalition Application, you’ll need to check their website for instructions on how to submit letters of recommendation. Some colleges may have their own online portal, while others may require you to submit the letters by mail.
The Bottom Line: Getting Your Teacher’s Recommendation to the Right Place
The process of submitting a letter of recommendation may seem confusing at first, but it’s really not that complicated once you break it down. The Common App and other application platforms are designed to make the process as streamlined as possible. Just remember to get your teacher’s email address, send the invitation, and wait patiently for the recommendation to appear in your account.
A Few Bonus Tips:
- Give Your Teacher Plenty of Time: Don’t wait until the last minute to ask your teacher for a recommendation. Give them ample time to write the letter and submit it.
- Check with Your Teacher: If you’re not sure how to submit the recommendation, don’t hesitate to ask your teacher for help. They’ve probably gone through this process before and can offer guidance.
- Express Your Gratitude: Don’t forget to thank your teacher for taking the time to write a recommendation for you. A simple “thank you” goes a long way.
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