The Common App Recommendation Hustle: A Guide to Ensuring Your Recommenders Don’t Ghost You (Or Worse, Send in a Generic Letter)
Let’s be real, folks. College applications are stressful enough without the added pressure of making sure your recommenders actually get your Common App invitation. It’s like trying to wrangle a herd of cats, except instead of fluffy felines, you’re dealing with overworked teachers and guidance counselors who have a million other things on their plates.
So, how do you make sure your recommender doesn’t accidentally hit the “delete” button on your invitation email?
Here’s the lowdown:
The Common App Recommender Conundrum
The Common App is like a digital matchmaking service for students and colleges. But instead of swiping right, you’re sending your hopes and dreams wrapped in a neat little application package. And guess what? Recommendation letters are the cherry on top, the extra sprinkle of magic that can make your application truly shine.
But, just like any matchmaking service, things can go wrong. Imagine this: You’ve carefully chosen your recommenders, people who know you well and can truly showcase your strengths. You’ve even sent them a personalized email with a heartfelt plea for their support. But then, crickets. You check your email every five minutes, hoping for a sign of life, but all you get is the deafening silence of the digital void.
Don’t panic! There are ways to ensure your recommenders don’t vanish into the ether.
The “How-To” Guide to Recommender Success:
1. The “Inviting” Game:
- The Invitation Process: The Common App makes it easy to send invites to your recommenders. You just need to navigate to the “Recommenders and FERPA” section of your application, find the “Teacher” or “Other Recommender” section, and click, click, click!
- The Email Dilemma: Once you hit “assign,” your recommender will receive an email from the Common App. It’s like a digital love letter, inviting them to join the exciting world of college admissions. But they can only access their recommender account after you’ve assigned them.
- The Missing Link: If your recommender hasn’t received an email, it’s a sign that they haven’t been properly assigned. Double-check your settings! Did you select the right recommender from the list? Did you accidentally click “cancel” instead of “assign”? If you’re still stuck, the Common App website has a comprehensive FAQ section that might be able to help.
2. The “Follow-Up” Art:
- The Gentle Reminder: It’s perfectly acceptable to send a friendly reminder email to your recommender. Say something like, “Hey [Recommender’s Name], I just wanted to make sure you received the Common App invitation for my recommendation. I’m really hoping you can submit it by [date].”
- The “Extra” Touch: You could even offer to meet with your recommender in person to discuss your application and answer any questions they might have. This shows you’re serious about your application and that you value their input.
- The “Thank You” Gesture: A simple “thank you” note can go a long way! It shows that you appreciate their time and effort. A handwritten thank you card or a small gift (like a coffee gift card) can also be a nice gesture.
3. The “Common App” Etiquette:
- The “Deadline” Dance: Make sure you give your recommenders ample time to write their letters. Don’t expect them to pull an all-nighter just to meet your deadline.
- The “Information” Exchange: Provide your recommenders with all the necessary information they need to write a strong letter. This includes your resume, a list of your extracurricular activities, and a brief essay outlining your goals and aspirations.
- The “Feedback” Loop: If possible, ask your recommenders to share their draft with you before they submit it. This way, you can ensure that they accurately represent your strengths and accomplishments.
4. The “Recommendation” Reality Check:
- The “Letter” Limbo: Remember, not all colleges require recommendations. Check the specific requirements for each school you’re applying to.
- The “Recommender” Roster: You can choose to have multiple recommenders, such as a teacher, counselor, and a mentor. Just make sure you choose people who can truly speak to your abilities and character.
- The “Generic” Fear: Be wary of generic, cookie-cutter recommendations. A good recommendation letter should be personalized and specific to your achievements and potential.
The “Don’t Panic” Mantra:
If you’re still feeling anxious about your recommenders, take a deep breath. They’re not out to sabotage your application. They want to see you succeed. Just remember to follow the steps outlined above, and you’ll be well on your way to securing those all-important recommendations.
Remember, your application is a reflection of you, so make sure you put your best foot forward!
And if you need further help, answer or research resources about how to make sure recommenders get your Common App invitation, connect with us at the JobLoving community. We’re here to help you navigate the crazy world of college applications!