How to Ask for a Counselor Letter of Recommendation on Common App?

Hey guys, I've been trying to figure out how to request the counselor letter of recommendation on the Common App. Is there a specific place to do this, or do I need to talk to my counselor directly? Also, how much notice do counselors typically need for a rec letter?

Hi there! To request a counselor letter of recommendation on the Common App, you'll need to navigate to the "Recommenders and FERPA" section, which can be found under each college on your "My Colleges" list. Here, you'll be able to invite your counselor to submit their recommendation by providing their name and email address.

Although this will send them a formal invitation through the Common App system, it's still a good idea to talk to your counselor directly. Schedule a meeting or send them an email to let them know that you need a letter of recommendation and give them a brief overview of your college application plans. This will give them more context and allow them to write a more tailored letter for you.

Counselors usually appreciate as much notice as possible for writing letters of recommendation, since they often need to write them for many students. Giving your counselor at least a month's notice is smart, but if you can provide them with even more time, that would be even better. Keep in mind application deadlines and try to give your counselor sufficient time to submit the letter before those dates.