How to Add Your Advisor to the Common App: A Guide for the Perplexed (and Slightly Panicked)
You’re knee-deep in the Common Application, staring at the “Recommenders and FERPA” section like it’s a mythical beast about to devour your college dreams. You’ve got your teachers sorted, your parents are on board (maybe), but now you’re faced with the daunting task of adding your advisor to the mix. Fear not, young scholar! I’m here to guide you through this treacherous process with humor, sarcasm, and a healthy dose of caffeine.
Let’s break down the “how-to” of adding your advisor to the Common App, because even the most seasoned college application veterans can get lost in the labyrinth of the Common App’s digital jungle.
Step 1: The FERPA Release Authorization (or, “Have You Heard of This Thing Called Privacy?”)
First things first, you need to complete the FERPA Release Authorization. This is basically the Common App’s way of saying, “Hey, we need your permission to share your super-secret academic records with your advisor.” Think of it as a digital handshake, but with a lot more legalese.
To complete this crucial step, navigate to the “Recommenders and FERPA” section. It’s like a secret society meeting, but instead of whispering about ancient rituals, you’ll be clicking through a series of forms about your academic freedom.
Step 2: The “Invite Counselors” Button (or, “Don’t Worry, We’ll Send a Digital Carrier Pigeon”)
Once you’ve completed the FERPA Release Authorization, you’ll be granted access to the “Invite Counselors” button. This is where you’ll enter your advisor’s email address, so make sure it’s the right one, because you don’t want to accidentally send an invitation to your grandma’s knitting group.
Step 3: The Magic Email (or, “Hold On to Your Hats, Folks!”)
Once you hit the “Invite Counselors” button, the Common App will send a magical email to your advisor. This email will contain a link to create a Common App recommender account. It’s basically like a digital portal to the world of college applications, but with less smoke and mirrors.
Step 4: The Recommender’s Choice (or, “They Can Say ‘No’, You Know”)
Your advisor will have a few options when they receive the email:
- Accept: If your advisor is a total rockstar and wants to help you get into your dream school, they’ll click the “Accept” button and create their recommender account.
- Decline: Sometimes, even the most supportive advisors have their own busy lives. If your advisor declines, you’ll need to find another recommender or consider submitting a paper form.
- Paper forms: If your advisor prefers the old-school way of doing things, they can choose to submit a paper form. This means they’ll need to print out the recommendation form, fill it out by hand, and mail it to the college.
So, what happens if your advisor declines the invitation?
Don’t panic! It happens. Sometimes advisors have conflicting schedules, are overloaded with other commitments, or simply don’t have the time to write a recommendation.
If this happens to you, don’t be discouraged. There are alternatives.
- Find another recommender: Reach out to another teacher, counselor, or mentor who knows you well and can write a glowing recommendation.
- Use a paper form: If your advisor is willing to fill out a paper form, that’s always an option.
Additional Tips for Adding Your Advisor
- Don’t wait until the last minute: Start the process of adding your recommender early, especially if you know they have a busy schedule.
- Be polite: Send a friendly email to your advisor letting them know you’ve invited them to be a recommender and that you appreciate their support.
- Provide them with information: Share your resume, transcripts, and any other relevant documents that might help your advisor write a strong recommendation.
- Keep in touch: Check in with your advisor periodically to see if they need any information or if there’s anything you can do to help.
In Conclusion: The Common App is a beast, but with the right tools and a little bit of patience, you can conquer it. Remember, your advisor is there to help you, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and get their support. And if you’re still struggling, remember that JobLoving is here to help!
JobLoving is a community dedicated to helping students navigate the college application process. We offer a wealth of resources, including articles, videos, and forums, to help you succeed. So don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need additional guidance.