Does the Common App Remember Recommendations from Last Year? The Answer Will Make You Scream… “YES!” (Maybe)
So, you’re prepping for college applications, and you’re staring down the barrel of the Common App. You’re thinking, “Hey, I already wrote all these great essays last year, and my teachers wrote those glowing recommendations. Can I just copy and paste everything over?”
Well, buckle up, buttercup, because the Common App has a few surprises for you.
Short Answer: No, the Common App doesn’t automatically carry over your recommendations from last year. But, there’s a twist!
Here’s the breakdown:
- The Common App does a yearly reset. Think of it like a fresh start for every college application cycle. This means all your hard work from last year – essays, recommendations, the whole shebang – vanishes into the digital ether around August 1st.
- But, here’s the catch: You can reuse those recommendations! The Common App allows you to transfer your recommender’s information, so you don’t have to start from scratch.
Think of it like this:
Imagine you’re a chef, and the Common App is your kitchen.
- Every year, the kitchen gets a deep clean – all the ingredients are put away, and the counters are wiped down. (That’s the annual reset.)
- But, let’s say you have a really amazing recipe that you make every year. Instead of starting from scratch, you can just grab the recipe card from your recipe box. (That’s reusing your recommendations.)
The Nitty-Gritty of Reusing Recommendations
- The Golden Question: When you first submit a recommendation for a student, the Common App will ask if you want to reuse that form. This means that any future request for that recommendation will automatically be filled out using the same information.
- Don’t Overlook the Details: While this might seem like a dream come true, make sure your recommenders double-check those old recommendations to make sure they are still accurate and up-to-date. Have they worked with you in a new capacity? Did you gain new skills or awards since last year? It’s always a good idea to refresh those recommendations.
- Recommender’s Delight: The beauty of the Common App’s recommendation transfer feature is that your recommenders don’t have to write a new recommendation for every college you apply to. Once they submit the recommendation, you can just assign it to different schools. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Why does the Common App reset every year?
- Changing Times: Colleges change their application requirements, so the Common App needs to be updated to reflect those changes.
- New Applicants: The Common App wants to create a level playing field for everyone applying to college, and that includes making sure that all applicants are submitting fresh information.
The Bottom Line
The Common App doesn’t automatically carry over your recommendations from last year, but you can reuse them! It’s like a delicious recipe that you can make again and again, but you might want to add a few new spices to keep it fresh. Remember to talk to your recommenders and make sure the information is still accurate and up-to-date.
Remember: College applications can be stressful, but with smart strategies, you can navigate them with confidence.