The Common Application is allowing counselors to opt out of submitting a personal recommendation, as part of the Secondary School Report (i.e. the Counselor Recommendation) for Fall 2013 applications.
Why is this change significant?
- Current applicants (i.e. Class of 2013 Seniors) may not have an additional personal reference to coincide with their essays, application and teacher recommendations; thus, not as competitive of a college application as possible–given information is missing.
- Counselors may have the chance to more quickly complete Secondary School Reports; thus, not delaying students applications from being completed by the deadline.
Students should ask their counselors (not an easy conversation) if they completed the personal recommendation or not. Then, work with the individual college admissions offices, about what to or not to do, so their application is as complete as possible.
