Can someone break down the FERPA waiver for me? I’m not 100% clear on what it means when I waive my rights. How does it affect my application, and will colleges view it negatively if I don’t waive it?
The FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) waiver specifically pertains to your right to access your educational records, which includes letters of recommendation and admission officer’s notes on your application post-decision.
When you waive your FERPA rights, it means you will not seek to read your recommendations or notes. This is generally seen as a good thing because it assures colleges that the letters are candid, and the recommenders could speak freely. Most applicants do waive their rights; not doing so could suggest to colleges that your recommenders weren’t able to provide honest feedback, which might impact your application negatively.
Keep in mind that even if you do waive these rights, you'll still have the right to access other parts of your education record, like your transcripts. Also note that waiving is entirely your choice, but it is a standard practice in college admissions to do so. Waiving your rights is common and expected, and you won't be penalized for doing so. On the other hand, if you don't waive your rights, admissions committees might wonder why, and it could potentially affect their view of your application.
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