The Common App is a college application platform that allows students to apply to multiple colleges with a single application. When applying to colleges through the Common App, students are required to submit letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other adults who can speak to their academic and personal abilities.
If you are applying to college through the Common App, one of the first steps you should take is to add your recommenders to your application. This process is quick and easy, and it only takes a few minutes to complete.
stick around with me let me show you How to Add Recommenders on Common App on today’s post.
Common App Recommendation Letters Examples
Here are some examples of Common App recommendation letters:
Teacher Recommendation Letter
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [student name] for admission to your university. I have had the pleasure of teaching [student name] in AP English Literature and Composition during their senior year of high school.
[Student name] is an exceptional student in every way. They are intellectually curious, academically gifted, and a hard worker. They have a natural aptitude for language and literature, and they consistently produce high-quality essays and creative writing. [Student name] is also a thoughtful and engaged participant in class discussions. They are always eager to share their ideas and insights, and they listen respectfully to the perspectives of others.
In addition to their academic excellence, [student name] is also a kind and compassionate person. They are always willing to help their classmates, and they are always looking for ways to make the classroom a more inclusive and welcoming space for everyone.
I have no doubt that [student name] would be a valuable asset to your university community. They are a bright, talented, and well-rounded individual who is sure to succeed in their academic and personal endeavors. I highly recommend them for admission.
Sincerely, [Teacher name]
Counselor Recommendation Letter
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [student name] for admission to your university. I have had the pleasure of working with [student name] for the past three years as their school counselor.
[Student name] is a remarkable student who excels in all areas of their academic career. They have a strong academic record, and they are involved in a variety of extracurricular activities, including the student government, the debate team, and the school newspaper. [Student name] is also a dedicated volunteer in the community, and they are passionate about helping others.
In addition to their academic and extracurricular achievements, [student name] is also a kind, compassionate, and well-rounded individual. They are always willing to help others, and they are always looking for ways to make the school community a better place.
I have no doubt that [student name] would be a valuable asset to your university community. They are a bright, talented, and motivated individual who is sure to succeed in their academic and personal endeavors. I highly recommend them for admission.
Sincerely, [Counselor name]
These are just two examples of Common App recommendation letters. It is important to note that every recommendation letter should be unique to the student it is written for. Be sure to provide specific examples of the student’s academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities.
How to Add Recommenders on the Common App
Adding recommenders to your Common App application is an important step in the college admissions process. Your recommenders can provide colleges with valuable insights into your academic and personal qualities. They can also speak to your potential for success in college.
To add recommenders to your Common App application, follow these steps:
- Go to the My Colleges tab and select the college to which you want to add a recommender.
- Scroll down to the Recommenders and FERPA section and click on the Invite and Manage Recommenders button.
- Click on the Add Recommender button and select the type of recommender you want to add (teacher, counselor, or other).
- Enter your recommender’s name, email address, and relationship to you.
- Click on the Send Invitation button.
Once you have sent your recommender an invitation, they will receive an email with instructions on how to create an account and submit their letter of recommendation.
Common App Letter of Recommendation Requirements
The Common App letter of recommendation requirements vary depending on the college to which you are applying. However, most colleges require at least two letters of recommendation, one from a teacher and one from a counselor. Some colleges may also require additional letters of recommendation from other adults who know you well, such as coaches, mentors, or employers.
Here is a summary of the Common App letter of recommendation requirements:
- Required:
- At least two letters of recommendation, one from a teacher and one from a counselor.
- Optional:
- Additional letters of recommendation from other adults who know you well, such as coaches, mentors, or employers.
It is important to note that some colleges may have specific requirements for their letters of recommendation. For example, some colleges may require that letters be submitted on official letterhead or that they be signed by the recommender. It is important to check the specific requirements of each college to which you are applying.
Common App Teacher Recommendation Form
The Common App teacher recommendation form is a document that teachers can use to submit letters of recommendation for their students who are applying to college. The form includes a number of questions about the student’s academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities.
Here are some of the questions that are typically included on the Common App teacher recommendation form:
- How long have you known the student?
- In what subject and grade level have you taught the student?
- What are the student’s academic strengths and weaknesses?
- How does the student participate in class discussions and activities?
- What are the student’s extracurricular activities and leadership roles?
- How would you describe the student’s personal qualities?
- What is the student’s potential for success in college?
Teachers are free to write their letters of recommendation in any format they choose, but they are encouraged to use the Common App teacher recommendation form as a guide. This will help to ensure that their letters are comprehensive and informative.
How Do I Update Another Recommender on Common App?
To update another recommender on the Common App, you can follow these steps:
- Go to the My Colleges tab and select the college to which you want to update the recommender.
- Scroll down to the Recommenders and FERPA section and click on the Invite and Manage Recommenders button.
- Click on the Update Recommender button next to the recommender you want to update.
- Make the necessary changes to the recommender’s information, such as their name, email address, or relationship to you.
- Click on the Update Recommender button to save your changes.
Your recommender will receive an email notification that you have updated their information. They will need to log into their Common App account to view the changes.
If you need to change the type of recommender (e.g., from teacher to counselor), you will need to contact the Common App support team for assistance.
How Do I Submit Letters of Recommendation?
There are two ways to submit letters of recommendation:
- Online: Most colleges and universities now accept letters of recommendation electronically. To submit letters of recommendation online, you will need to provide your recommender with the following information:
- The name of the college or university to which you are applying
- The deadline for submitting letters of recommendation
- A link to the online letter of recommendation submission form
Your recommender will then be able to log into the online form and submit their letter of recommendation.
- By mail: Some colleges and universities still accept letters of recommendation by mail. To submit letters of recommendation by mail, your recommender will need to address the envelope to the admissions office of the college or university to which you are applying. They should also include your name and date of birth on the envelope.
How to View Letters of Recommendation on Common App
You cannot view your letters of recommendation on the Common App. The Common App is a secure platform, and your recommenders are responsible for submitting their letters directly to the colleges to which you are applying.
Other Recommender Common App
An “other recommender” on the Common App is any recommender who does not fit into the categories of teacher, counselor, or coach. This could include a mentor, employer, religious leader, or other adult who knows you well and can speak to your academic and personal abilities.
If you are applying to college through the Common App, you can choose to have up to four recommenders write letters on your behalf. At least one of these recommenders must be a teacher and one must be a counselor. However, the remaining two recommenders can be other adults who know you well.
When choosing an other recommender, it is important to select someone who can provide a unique perspective on your skills and accomplishments. For example, if you are applying to a college with a strong focus on social justice, you might choose to ask a mentor who works with a social justice organization to write you a letter of recommendation.
How to Invite and Manage Recommenders List Common App
To invite and manage your recommenders list on the Common App, follow these steps:
- Go to the My Colleges tab and select the college to which you want to add a recommender.
- Scroll down to the Recommenders and FERPA section and click on the Invite and Manage Recommenders button.
- Click on the Add Recommender button and select the type of recommender you want to add (teacher, counselor, or other).
- Enter your recommender’s name, email address, and relationship to you.
- Click on the Send Invitation button.
Your recommender will receive an email invitation with instructions on how to create an account and submit their letter of recommendation.
Once you have sent your recommender an invitation, you can manage their status by clicking on the Manage Recommenders button. This will show you a list of all the recommenders you have invited, their status, and any deadlines that have been set.
You can also use the Manage Recommenders page to:
- Resend an invitation to a recommender who has not yet responded.
- Remove a recommender from your list.
- Set a deadline for your recommender to submit their letter.
- View the status of your recommender’s letter, such as whether it has been submitted or is still in progress.
Conclusion
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can seamlessly invite and manage recommenders, ensuring that they have ample time to craft thoughtful and compelling recommendations. Remember to communicate clearly with your recommenders, providing them with the necessary details and deadlines to help them help you.