How To Add Recommendation To Slide Room Through Common App

Unlocking the Secrets of the SlideRoom: A Common App Guide to Recommendation Shenanigans

Let’s face it, college applications are a minefield of forms, essays, and the ever-dreaded “recommendations” section. You’ve meticulously crafted your essays, your GPA is shining brighter than a disco ball, and you’ve even managed to snag that coveted internship (props to you, kid!). Now, you’re faced with the daunting task of navigating the world of recommendation letters and the mysterious SlideRoom. Fear not, brave applicant, for we are about to dive into the depths of this digital abyss and emerge victorious!

The “Recommenders and FERPA” Conundrum: A Tale of Two Tabs

Think of the Common App as a bustling, multi-level mall. To reach the hallowed halls of the “Recommenders and FERPA” section you need to navigate the “My Colleges” tab. Picture it, you’re walking through this metaphorical mall, past stores like “Essays Galore” and “GPA Central,” and finally, you stumble upon the “Recommenders and FERPA” section. You’ve arrived at the department store where all the recommendation letter magic happens! Remember to use your superpowers (aka, a good internet connection) to find your way.

How to Add Recommendations on the Common App:

First things first, scroll down until you find a section that looks like it was designed by a programmer who likes to keep things simple. You’ll see two options: “Teacher” and “Other Recommender.” This is where your game plan comes in. Do you want your favorite teacher’s advice, or do you want your soccer coach to rave about your leadership skills? The choice is yours!

1. Select Your Champion: Click on the box next to the “Teacher” or “Other Recommender” section to choose your chosen advocate. Think of it like selecting the perfect sidekick for your college application adventure.
2. Assign the Power: Once you’ve made your choice, click on the “Assign” button. This step grants your chosen recommender the power to write a glowing letter on your behalf.

Remember, you can add as many recommenders as you need, but don’t go overboard. Think quality over quantity.

The After-Party: Adding Recommendations After the Submission Deadline

So, you’ve submitted your application. You’ve finally conquered the Common App beast! But wait! What if you suddenly remembered that your neighbor, the rocket scientist, would make the perfect addition to your recommendation lineup? Don’t fret, you can still add recommenders after you submit your application!

To do so, navigate back to the “Recommenders and FERPA” section for each college on the Common App. Yes, it’s like a mini-mall within a mall! From there, you can send invitations to additional recommenders. Just make sure to give them enough time to write their letters. After all, you wouldn’t want to leave your rocket scientist neighbor hanging!

Updating Recommender Information: A Common App Quick Fix

Let’s be real, sometimes things change. Your favorite teacher might have moved to a new school, or your soccer coach might have changed their email address. No worries, updating recommender information is as easy as changing your socks (which you should definitely be doing regularly, by the way).

1. Log In and Locate: Log into your Common App account and navigate to the “Recommenders and FERPA” section. It’s like a familiar comfort zone, a place you can always find your way back to.
2. Search and Update: Locate the recommender whose information needs a makeover. Click on their name, and you’ll be able to update their contact information. It’s like giving your recommender a digital makeover!

SlideRoom: The Common App’s Secret Weapon

Now, let’s talk about SlideRoom. Think of it as the “VIP lounge” of the college application process. It’s a secure online system where you can submit creative work, like portfolios, supplemental materials, and, you guessed it, additional recommendation letters.

Here’s the lowdown on SlideRoom:

• It’s a partner of the Common App: This means your schools can use SlideRoom to receive and evaluate your application.
• It’s a one-stop shop: You can submit all your supplemental materials, including those extra recommendation letters you want to add.
• It’s secure: Your data is safe and sound in the SlideRoom vault.

How to use SlideRoom:

1. Find the Link: Look for a SlideRoom link within the Common App. It will likely be within the “Supplemental Materials” section.
2. Log In: Click on the link, and you’ll be redirected to the school’s SlideRoom account.
3. Submit: Follow the instructions to submit your supplemental materials, including any additional recommendation letters.

SlideRoom: The Extra Mile for Your Recommendation Letter Strategy

Remember, SlideRoom is often used for supplemental recommendations, like those from a research mentor or someone who can speak to your unique skills or experiences. It’s not a replacement for your standard Common App recommendations!

Think of SlideRoom as a way to:

• Showcase your work: You can submit portfolios, videos, or other media that demonstrate your skills and interests.
• Provide extra context: You can use SlideRoom to submit additional letters of recommendation, essays, or other materials that explain your application.
• Stand out from the crowd: By using SlideRoom, you can show colleges that you are a dedicated and organized applicant.

Important Note: Not all colleges use SlideRoom, so make sure to check the application requirements for each school you’re applying to.

The Final Word: Don’t Let Recommendation Letters Ruin Your College Application

Navigating the recommendation letter process can feel like a marathon, but with a little planning and a dash of humor, you can make it to the finish line. Just remember to:

• Choose your recommenders wisely: Select people who know you well and can speak to your strengths.
• Give them plenty of time: Don’t send your recommenders a last-minute plea for a letter.
• Follow up: Make sure to check in with your recommenders to make sure they have everything they need.

And if you’re still feeling lost in the labyrinth of the Common App and SlideRoom, don’t be afraid to seek help! There are plenty of resources available online, and you can always talk to your guidance counselor or a college advisor.

At JobLoving, we’re here to help you navigate the college application process every step of the way. We’re a community of support, knowledge, and laughter (because who wouldn’t want to laugh a little while dealing with college applications?). If you need further assistance, reach out to us, and we’ll guide you through the maze of recommendations, SlideRoom, and all the other college application challenges that come your way. We’ve been there, done that, and have the t-shirt (which, honestly, is pretty darn cool).