Does the Common App Evaluation Go to Multiple Colleges? The Answer Will Blow Your Mind (Or at Least Make Your College Application Process a Little Easier)
Remember the days of painstakingly filling out college applications, sending snail mail with your transcripts and essays, and praying your letters of recommendation actually made it to the right place? Yeah, me neither. Those days are thankfully gone, replaced by the glorious digital age (and the occasional existential crisis about how much time we spend staring at screens). And one of the great gifts of this digital evolution is the Common Application – a one-stop shop for applying to a plethora of colleges, all with the click of a button (and a few hours of soul-searching).
But here’s the million-dollar question (or maybe it’s a million-application-fee question): Does the Common App Evaluation (aka that dreaded letter of recommendation) go to all the colleges you apply to?
The short answer, my friends, is YES.
The Common App is essentially a digital love letter from your recommenders to the admission teams of all your chosen colleges. Think of it like a group text where you can send a single message (your recommendation) to everyone on your list (your colleges).
This is where the Common App truly shines. It’s a massive time-saver for both you and your recommenders. No more sending individual emails with attachments, no more worrying about missing deadlines, and no more praying your letter doesn’t get lost in the digital ether.
But wait, there’s more! Let’s break down the Common App evaluation process and tackle any lingering questions you might have:
The Common App Evaluation: A Love Story (Or a Pain in the Neck, Depending on Your Perspective)
The Common App evaluation process is like a three-act play, and you get to be the star (or at least the one who gets to write the lines).
Act 1: The Setup
- You, the applicant, select the colleges you want to apply to. You get to choose your own adventure (within the Common App’s 20-college limit, of course).
- You then invite your recommenders (teachers, counselors, mentors) to join the party. It’s like a digital wedding invitation, except with less cake and more paperwork.
- Your recommenders receive a unique link to complete the evaluation form. This is where the real magic happens (or where the stress levels start to rise, depending on your perspective).
Act 2: The Climax
- Your recommenders submit their evaluations through the Common App system. They’re basically writing love letters to all the colleges you’re applying to, highlighting your amazing qualities, and (hopefully) downplaying any embarrassing moments.
- Once submitted, your evaluations are instantly sent to all the colleges you’ve added to your Common App list. This is where the Common App shines – it’s like a digital messenger pigeon carrying your recommendations to their destinations.
Act 3: The Resolution
- The colleges receive your evaluations and add them to your application materials. This is where the real waiting game begins.
- Your evaluations are reviewed by the admissions committee. Will they be impressed by your glowing recommendations? Or will they be more swayed by your impressive GPA and extracurricular activities?
- Fingers crossed that all your hard work and your recommenders’ heartfelt words will land you a spot at your dream school!
Common App Evaluation: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I have more than 20 colleges on my list?
A: The Common App has a 20-college limit, so you’ll need to prioritize and choose the schools that are most important to you. Think of it like a carefully curated playlist – you want to make sure that each college on your list deserves a spot in your “My Colleges” lineup.
Q: Is a teacher evaluation the same as a letter of recommendation?
A: Not quite. A teacher evaluation is a more objective assessment of your academic strengths and weaknesses. It provides colleges with a snapshot of your performance in the classroom. A letter of recommendation, on the other hand, is a more personal piece of writing that focuses on your character, accomplishments, and potential.
Q: How many teacher evaluations do I need?
A: Most colleges require two teacher evaluations, although some may ask for just one, or more than two. It’s crucial to double-check the specific requirements for each college you’re applying to.
Q: Can I submit a different recommendation for each college?
A: Unfortunately, no. The Common App system requires that your recommenders submit a single evaluation that’s sent to all the colleges you’ve listed. Think of it like a group email – you can’t send individualized messages to each recipient.
Q: What if I’m a transfer student?
A: If you’re transferring colleges, the Common App still works its magic. Your recommenders can submit evaluations through the Common App, and they’ll be sent to all the colleges on your list.
Common App Evaluations: The Bottom Line
The Common App evaluation process is a streamlined way for colleges to receive essential information about you, and it saves you and your recommenders a ton of time and effort. Just remember to choose your recommenders wisely, provide them with all the necessary information (including your resume and transcripts), and express your gratitude once they’ve completed their task. After all, they’re essentially writing love letters to the colleges you’re applying to, and they deserve some appreciation for their efforts.
Need More Help? Join the JobLoving Community!
If you’re still scratching your head about the Common App evaluation process or need more tips and tricks for navigating the college application journey, don’t hesitate to reach out to the JobLoving community! We’re a friendly bunch of people who are here to help you every step of the way. Just ask!