I'm in the process of a college transfer and noticed there's a section for an official report on the Common App. Who do I ask to fill this out, and what's its importance in the application?
The College Official's Report for transfer applicants on the Common App is intended to be filled out by an administrator at your current or most recent institution who knows you and is familiar with your academic and disciplinary records. This person might be a dean, academic advisor, or registrar.
The form asks the college official to provide information about your academic standing and disciplinary history – if any – at the institution. This is important because it gives the college you're applying to a comprehensive understanding of your academic performance and conduct during your post-secondary studies at your previous institutions.
Keep in mind that it's your responsibility to initiate this process. You will need to identify the appropriate individual and ask them to complete and submit this report on your behalf. After you input the official's information into your Common App, an invitation will be sent to the email that prompts them to fill out the report. It's always a good idea to follow up with them to ensure they received the email and understand the completion timeline.
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