What's the deal with the Common App FERPA waiver?

Hey everyone, I'm feeling a tad overwhelmed with the Common App—can someone walk me through the process of signing the FERPA waiver? Like, where do I find it and what does it mean for my rec letters?

Hey there! Absolutely, navigating the Common App can be a bit daunting at first, but you've got this. The FERPA waiver can be found in the 'Recommenders and FERPA' section of the Common App. It’s part of the process when you're assigning recommenders to your application.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a law that gives you the right to access your education records. When you waive your FERPA rights, it means you won't have access to see your recommendation letters after they're submitted. Most educators and admissions officers believe letters tend to be more candid and therefore more impactful when students waive their right to view them, as nothing a recommender is saying is just to preserve their relationship with the student.

That being said, the decision of whether or not to waive is ultimately up to you, so make your choice, electronically sign the waiver if you're waiving your rights, and then you're all set to invite your recommenders through the platform. They will submit their letters directly to the Common App.

If you choose not to waive your rights, be aware that some recommenders may be less comfortable providing a letter, and some schools might view the letters as less authentic. If you're unsure, you can always discuss your concerns with your recommenders or a guidance counselor before deciding. Good luck with your application!