Hey everyone, I'm going through the Common App and I'm just not sure what exactly they mean by 'academic evaluation.' Is it the same as a letter of recommendation, or is it something my teachers need to fill out separately? If one of you could break it down for me, that would be super helpful! Trying to make sure I've got everything in order over here.
Hey there! Glad you're taking the time to understand every part of your application. An 'academic evaluation' in the context of the Common App refers to a type of letter of recommendation. Specifically, it's one that's written by one of your high school teachers. This teacher should ideally be someone who's taught you in an academic subject, typically core subjects like English, Math, Science, Social Studies, or Foreign Language.
The purpose is to provide colleges with insight into your academic abilities and classroom presence. Most schools require one or two of these evaluations. Your teacher will fill out a form that includes a checklist and a space for a more detailed letter. So yes, you're on the right track—it's a specialized kind of recommendation. You'll need to invite your teachers through the Common App, which will give them access to submit their evaluation. Hope this helps, and good luck with your applications!
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.