Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Sending Letters of Recommendation by Teachers?

Hey, everyone! When it comes to letters of recommendation, how do our teachers actually send them to colleges? Does it vary by school or is there a common system?

11 months ago

Hey there! Letters of recommendation are typically submitted through the Common Application, Coalition Application, or the college's specific application system, depending on which platform the schools you're applying to use. Generally, the process is quite similar across these platforms. Here's how it works:

1. You'll input the names and email addresses of your recommenders (usually teachers or school counselors) into the respective fields in the "Recommenders and FERPA" section of your application.

2. The recommenders will receive an email from the application system with instructions on creating an account and submitting their recommendations.

3. They'll then upload the letter directly to the application system, which will be attached to your application.

4. Once the letter is submitted, you'll often receive a notification that the recommendation has been added to your application.

Keep in mind that you'll need to waive your right to view the recommendation if you want colleges to take it seriously. This shows that you fully trust your recommenders and ensures that the colleges receive an honest evaluation of your abilities and potential.

Be sure to discuss the recommendation process with your teachers, and give them advance notice (approximately 4-6 weeks) before the application deadline. This allows them to have enough time to write a thoughtful and persuasive letter on your behalf. Additionally, you can provide your recommenders a "brag sheet" that highlights your relevant achievements, so they have a better understanding of who you are as a student.

Remember to check if your schools have specific recommendation requirements, as some colleges may require more than one teacher recommendation or require the recommendations to be from teachers in different subject areas. Good luck with your applications!

11 months ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.