Three Types of Recommendations:
Teacher, Counselor & Outside Recommenders
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Teacher Recommendations - Request in Naviance

  • Ask your teachers in person for a letter of recommendation. Your teacher might ask you to complete a survey, or turn in a resume, or give them a brag sheet. Use this Brag Sheet Template.
  • Teacher Recommendation Requests are made in Naviance.  Students using Common App will need to waive FERPA in Common App.
  • In Naviance, click "Colleges" and select "Letters of Recommendation".
  • Click "Add Request" and select the teacher you would like to write your recommendation. 
  • Specific Requests: Allow you to specify which colleges receive the teacher's recommendation letter.
  • General Requests: Every college will receive the teacher's letter of recommendation.
  • Timing: Ask for teacher recommendations at least 3 weeks in advance of the application due date.  Teachers are not required to write letters of rec.
  • Thank you note: Be sure to write your teacher a thank you note!  Show your appreciation of their time and effort.

Common App Counselor Recommendations 

Some Common App schools require a COUNSELOR recommendation.  (most schools do not)
  • Check the Common App Dashboard to determine if you need a counselor recommendation
  • Filll out THIS form at least 3 weeks prior to earliest application deadline.  ​
  • Send your counselor an email when you have completed the form.
Check requirements by clicking on the Application Requirements on the COMMON APP DASHBOARD! 
  • A green check in the "CR" box means the school requires a counselor recommendation.
  • TE stands for Teacher Evaluation and the number of Teacher Recommendations a school requires
  • OE stands for Other Evaluations - or recommendations outside of school.  See instructions below.
  • A green check in the MR box means the school requires a Mid-Year Report and Common App will request that automatically in Naviance.​​

OTHER Recommendations

Other Recommenders are individuals you have worked with outside of school. They can provide context around your hobbies, passions, and other responsibilities. The other recommender types available in the Common App are: Arts Teacher, Clergy, Coach, College Access Counselor, Employer, Family Member, Peer, or Other.  If a college allows recommendations outside of school, you can request these recommendations in Common App directly.
  • In Common App select Recommenders and FERPA
  • Ask your recommender for a personal email address to enter into Common App.  Once you have entered their information into Common App, follow up with an email to ensure that they received the submission link from Common App.  
  • If your recommender is unable to submit via Common App, please see Ms. Spencer for additional assistance.