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Common Application
Getting Started
If you have not yet linked your Common App account to SchooLinks, the first step is to set up your Common App account which includes linking your account to SchooLinks. You won't be able to request recommendations without this step.
Tip: It's usually best to personally ask anyone you want to request a recommendation from BEFORE you submit a request for a letter of recommendation on SchooLinks.
When using SchooLinks with Common App, you will need to request all of your recommendations through SchooLinks. In Common App under the Recommenders section, you'll see the following message for both teacher and counselor requests:
1. Requesting Teacher Evaluations
From the dashboard, click the College icon on the left navigation sidebar, then select College Applications from the drop-down menu. Then click Submission Tracker.
Click on the pencil icon of the school you want to request a teacher evaluation for.
Warning: If you have not completed your FERPA Authorization for Common App, you will be required to do so before requesting teacher evaluations. If you have not completed your FERPA authorization, the following prompt will direct you to log in to Common App. For more information visit Completing FERPA Authorization.
In the “Teacher Evaluations” column, any required evaluations will be outlined in red. You will need to add a "Recommender" (the person filling out your Teacher Evaluation) for each required evaluation.
Adding a Recommender
You have a few options when it comes to determining who you would like to request an evaluation from:
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Choose an existing evaluation
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Request an evaluation from a new teacher with an account
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Request an evaluation from a new teacher without an account
Choose an existing evaluation to assign to this application
If you have already requested a teacher evaluation for another school, you can assign an existing teacher evaluation to this school. These teachers will show up as Pending, Declined, or Fulfilled depending on the status of the already submitted recommendation.
Request an evaluation from a new teacher who has a SchooLinks account
You can also request an evaluation from a new teacher by searching for them by name in the search field. If you choose this method, you will need to select the subject for which you would like an evaluation.
Request an evaluation from a new teacher who does NOT have a SchooLinks account by adding them manually
If after searching for your teacher you don’t see the teacher listed, you can click Add them Manually. This will open up an option for you to provide their First and Last Name, Email, and Subject to request an evaluation from them. You will again need to select their subject in order to continue. Note: You must use the search first in order to see this option.
Regardless of the method you chose, once you have selected a teacher, click Assign Teacher.
You will now see the assigned teacher's name and the status of your teacher evaluation! The teacher will be alerted that you have requested an evaluation and will be instructed to complete it for your application.
Tip: If the college accepts optional teacher evaluations, you can request them by clicking Request Teacher Evaluation and performing the same steps above to add an additional evaluation.