How do I properly invite my teachers to submit letters of recommendation through the Common App?

As the application season is approaching, I need to ask my teachers for letters of recommendation. What’s the process for doing this through the Common App? I want to make sure I get this right and give them plenty of time. Thanks in advance!

Hello there! It's great that you're planning ahead for your letters of recommendation. The process on the Common App is pretty straightforward.

First, you’ll need to register for an account on the Common App if you haven't already. Once you're logged in, navigate to the 'My Colleges' section and select a college to which you're applying. Each college will have a 'Recommenders and FERPA' section. Here, you'll need to complete the FERPA Release Authorization, which allows your recommenders to submit letters on your behalf.

After you’ve completed the FERPA Authorization, you can begin inviting recommenders. You'll be given an option to invite teachers, counselors, and other recommenders. Click on 'Invite Recommenders,' and you’ll need to enter information such as their name, position, and email address. It's crucial to enter their professional email addresses correctly. Once you send the invitation, they will receive an email from the Common App with instructions on how to proceed.

Do remember to ask your teachers in person or via a polite email if they would be willing to write you a recommendation letter before sending the invitation on the Common App. It's also a good practice to provide them with your resume or a summary of your academic and extracurricular achievements to help them write a more personalized letter.

Lastly, make sure to check in with your teachers to confirm they’ve received the email from Common App and to thank them for their support. Good luck with your applications!