Provide final list to recommenders

Overview

Provide your final college list to recommenders. They need to know where they're submitting letters, especially if you're using Common App platform.

What to Give Recommenders

Final School List

• All schools you're applying to
• Deadlines for each
• Application platforms (Common App, Coalition, direct)

Application Specifics

• Common App add-on info if needed
• Direct college portal details
• Any special instructions

Your Context Info

• Resume/activity list
• Intended major
• Recent achievements
• Personal statement (optional, can help tailor letter)

Communication with Counselor

Counselor Meeting

• Schedule 15-30 minute meeting
• Bring final list
• Discuss priorities
• Get their feedback

Counselor Letter

• Required at most schools
• Sent via Common App or school system
• Counselor has their own process

Communication with Teachers

Send Updated List

• Email or in-person meeting
• Provide complete school list
• Thank them again
• Confirm they're still on board

Deadlines

• Give them specific deadlines
• Note ED/EA deadlines (earlier)
• Note regular deadlines (later)

Materials Review

• Give them your updated resume
• Your personal statement (optional)
• Your intended major
• Specific school details they should mention

School-Specific Information

Why This School

If teacher agrees to write school-specific notes:

• Name professor or course teacher might know about
• Specific program you're applying for
• Unique aspects of school

Recommendations

• General letter vs. school-specific
• Most recommenders write one general letter
• Some include specific mentions

Common Mistakes

Providing Too Late

• Give list by mid-September
• Teachers need time to write/edit
• Don't rush them

Changing After Sent

• Try not to change list
• If you must, notify immediately
• Thank them for flexibility

Not Following Up

• Send reminders 2 weeks before deadline
• Check submission status
• Thank them

Not Providing Context

• Teachers need your context
• Resume, goals, specifics
• Makes stronger letter

Managing Expectations

Different Letters for Different Schools

• Usually one general letter
• Sometimes school-specific details
• Recommender's discretion

Signature Style

• Professional and genuine
• Specific and personal
• Strong advocacy

The Common App Process

Teacher Invitation

• Via your Common App account
• Teacher accepts invitation
• Gets access to your profile

Letter Submission

• One letter to all Common App schools
• Automatic distribution
• Teacher doesn't submit per school

Preview Option

• Can see if letter has been submitted
• Status in Common App portal
• Verification

School-Specific Platforms

Coalition App

• Separate invitation process
• Similar to Common App
• Verify access

Direct Applications

• Some schools use their own
• Separate invitation
• Check specific process

Timeline

Early September

• Finalize list
• Share with recommenders
• Schedule meetings

Mid-September

• Provide all materials
• Verify access to platforms
• Thank for support

Late September

• Follow-up for November 1 deadlines
• Reminders about timeline
• Troubleshoot any issues

Unique Situations

Teacher from Junior Year

• Email them with updated list
• Provide context
• Thank them again

Teacher from Senior Year

• Less content to draw from
• Provide more context
• Share your application strengths

Multiple Recommenders

• Each gets same information
• Confirm access for each
• Consistent communication

What Teachers Appreciate

Organization

• Clear list
• Deadlines visible
• Easy to reference

Gratitude

• Personal thanks
• Small gift or treat
• Handwritten note
• Verbal appreciation

Notice

• Don't spring on them
• Give adequate time
• Respect their other work

Follow-Up After

Track Submissions

• Check Common App portal
• Confirm letter received
• Note date received

Missing Letters

• Send reminders if close to deadline
• Follow up personally
• Emergency contact if urgent

Thank You After Submission

• Personal thank-you
• Small gift
• Long-term relationship

Parent Involvement

Background Support

• Can help collect materials
• Can review drafts
• Don't directly communicate with recommenders

Gift-Giving

• Consider gift
• Don't make it look like bribe
• Genuine gratitude

Long-Term Relationship

After Senior Year

• Update on college
• Stay in touch
• Could be mentors
• Networking resource

Future References

• Grad school recommendations
• Career references
• Long-term connections

Professional Development

In College

• Research mentors
• Internship references
• Academic advisors
• Extension of support network

Beyond

• Career mentors
• Professional network
• Life connections
• Mutual support