How to Assign Recommendations on the College Board: A Guide to Navigating the Recommendation Maze
“To recommend or not to recommend, that is the question!” – Hamlet, probably, if he were applying to college.
So, you’re knee-deep in college applications, navigating a sea of essays, transcripts, and standardized tests. And then, bam! The dreaded recommendation letter requirement hits you like a rogue wave. Don’t fret, my friend! This is a hurdle you can overcome.
The Recommendation Request: A Love Letter to Your Recommenders (Sort of)
Think of the recommendation letter as a love letter to your recommenders, except instead of professing your undying affection, you’re asking them to basically write your college application for you. They’re basically your college application’s wingman, whispering sweet nothings about how awesome you are to college admissions officers.
The College Board’s Recommendation Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of assigning these recommendations. The College Board, through its Common Application platform, makes it relatively painless.
Step 1: The FERPA Waiver – Your Right to Privacy, Your Right to College
The first step is to sign the FERPA waiver. This is a fancy way of saying you’re giving the College Board permission to share your application information with colleges, which includes those beautiful recommendation letters.
Step 2: The “Colleges” Tab – Your College Application’s Control Center
Next, head to the “Colleges” tab. This is where you’ll find all the colleges you’ve added to your list. You’ll also find the magic portal for assigning those coveted recommendation letters.
Step 3: Assign Recommenders – The Art of Recommendation Allocation
Each college has its own unique page. Some schools might require two teacher recommendations, while others might only need one. This is your chance to pick and choose who gets to sing your praises.
Scenario 1: The Common App – The One-Stop Shop
If you’re using the Common App, you’ll have a centralized spot to manage your recommendations. This is like having a single control panel for your entire recommendation process.
Scenario 2: School-Specific Applications – The Individual Approach
Some schools, like those in the University of Texas system, use their own application systems. If this is the case, you’ll have to navigate their individual recommendation process.
Step 4: Inviting Your Recommenders – The Official Request
Now for the big moment: inviting your recommenders. Here’s where you’ll need to provide their names, positions (like English Teacher or Counselor), and email addresses.
Step 5: Sending the Recommendation Request – A Digital Love Letter
Once you’ve invited your recommenders, they’ll receive an email with the official recommendation request. They’ll be able to access the request through the Common App or the school’s individual application system.
The Dos and Don’ts of Recommendation Requests
Dos:
- Choose Wisely: Select recommenders who know you well and can speak to your strengths and accomplishments. Don’t just pick the easiest person to ask.
- Give Advance Notice: Don’t spring this on your recommenders at the last minute. Give them ample time to write a thoughtful recommendation.
- Provide Guidance: Help your recommenders by providing them with some context, like your academic goals, extracurricular activities, and areas where you’d like to be highlighted.
Don’ts:
- Don’t Be a Pushy Student: Don’t hound your recommenders for updates. They’re busy people!
- Don’t Submit the Letter Yourself: This is a big no-no. Your recommenders should be the ones sending the letter directly to the college.
The Power of a Strong Recommendation
A strong recommendation can make a big difference in your college application. Think of it as a powerful endorsement from someone who knows your work ethic, your personality, and your potential.
Tips for Getting a Killer Recommendation
- Build a Relationship: Cultivate a strong relationship with your recommenders. Show them you’re a good student, a responsible individual, and someone they can be proud to recommend.
- Be Involved: Don’t just sit in the back of the classroom. Participate in class, ask questions, and get involved in your extracurricular activities. Make yourself stand out!
- Share Your Goals: Be clear about your academic and career goals. Help your recommenders understand what you’re looking for in a college and how a recommendation from them can help you achieve those goals.
The Art of Recommendation Coordination
Coordination is key! Make sure your recommenders know who to send the recommendation to and by what deadline. There’s nothing worse than a recommendation arriving late, so stay organized!
The Recommendation Letter: A Window into Your Character
Remember, your recommenders are writing about you, so make sure they have plenty of good things to say! Be open, honest, and authentic, and let your personality shine through.
The Recommendation Letter: A Vital Part of Your Application
Recommendations are an essential part of your college application. They provide colleges with a valuable perspective on your character, potential, and abilities. Take the time to choose your recommenders carefully, provide them with the necessary information, and cultivate strong relationships with them.
Need More Guidance?
If you’re still feeling lost in the recommendation maze, don’t worry! There are plenty of resources available to help you navigate this process. You can check out the College Board website, talk to your counselor, or reach out to your recommenders for guidance.
And if you’re still stuck, remember, there’s always the JobLoving community. We’re here to help you make sense of the college application process, one recommendation at a time.
Now, go forth and conquer those recommendations!