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Can You Submit a Common App Before a Teacher Recommendation?

Published in College Applications 3 mins read

Yes, you absolutely can submit your Common App before your teacher recommendations are finalized and submitted. The Common Application system is designed to allow applicants to complete and submit their portion of the application independently of the recommendations.

Understanding the Common App Submission Process

The Common App employs a flexible submission process that separates the applicant's responsibilities from those of their recommenders. This means that your application—which includes your personal information, essays, activities, and college-specific questions—can be sent to colleges even if your teachers and counselors have not yet uploaded their letters of recommendation.

Here’s how this separation benefits the application process:

  • Confidentiality: This system ensures that the content of recommendation letters remains confidential and candid. Teachers and counselors can write and submit their letters directly to colleges without the student seeing them, which encourages more honest and comprehensive evaluations.
  • Flexibility for Recommenders: Teachers often manage numerous recommendation requests, especially during peak application seasons. The ability to submit their letters separately and later provides them with the necessary time to craft thoughtful recommendations without holding up your application submission.
  • Applicant Control: You can meet your application deadlines for the applicant portion (e.g., early action, regular decision) without depending on the immediate submission of a third party's document.

How Recommendations Are Linked

When you invite a teacher or counselor to submit a recommendation through the Common App, an electronic link is established between your application and their submission portal. Once your recommender uploads their letter, it is automatically matched with your application by the receiving colleges.

Key Steps for Applicants:

  1. Add Recommenders: In the "Recommenders and FERPA" section of your Common App, invite your teachers and counselors. Ensure you have asked them in person first and they have agreed.
  2. Waive Your Right: It is highly recommended to waive your right to access your recommendation letters. This assures colleges that the letters are confidential and unedited, often making them more credible.
  3. Submit Your Application: Once you have completed all sections of your application and are satisfied with it, you can submit it to your chosen colleges.
  4. Monitor Status: You can typically track the status of your recommendations within the Common App system to see if they have been submitted.

Important Considerations for Recommendations

While you can submit your application first, it's crucial that your recommendations arrive by the college's stated deadlines. Colleges typically specify a deadline for supporting documents as well, which might be the same as the application deadline or a few days later.

Aspect Applicant's Role Recommender's Role
Submission Timing Can submit Common App portion earlier Submits letters separately, can be later
Content Visibility Cannot see recommendation letters (if waiver signed) Direct submission to colleges
Deadlines Meets application deadline for their portion Must meet college's recommendation deadline
Linking Process Initiates request via Common App Uploads through Common App's recommender portal

For specific guidelines and up-to-date information, always refer to the official Common App website or the individual college's admissions pages.