Common App

Common App is an online college application platform designed to simplify the application process for colleges and universities in the United States and around the world. Students can apply to multiple institutions at the same time through a unified application form, saving time and effort.

FAQ

Why don't I see a student's name in my list?

1) It is possible the student invited you as a different recommender type (counselor, teacher, other recommender). After you log into your account check to see if you have multiple recommender types for your account. You will find this information at the top right of your screen. If you feel the student invited you incorrectly, please have them remove you and re-invite you again with the correct type.

2) It is possible the student used a different email address than what is listed in your current account when they invited you. Your email address is your username so if a student used a different email when inviting you, a new account is created.

Note: If you find that you have multiple accounts, please have the student remove your name from the "Invite and Manage Recommenders" section of their account and invite you again with the correct email address.

3) The student has removed you from the list of recommenders after you received the invitation email.

Why haven't I received a recommendation invitation message?

Below are some of the possible solutions below if you haven't received an invitation from a student:

Verify that your student has assigned you to at least one college on the Recommenders and FERPA section

Confirm that your student entered the correct email address when inviting you as a recommender

Check your spam and/or junk folder for the invitation message

If you have been added as an other recommender, note that not all colleges permit the submission of other recommendations. This means that your student may not be able to "assign" you to that college and you won't receive an invitation message

I am a counselor or recommender. How do I create my account?

Common App counselors and recommenders are not able to create an account in the same way our students do.

In order for you to have an account with Common App, at least one student needs to invite you from the Recommenders/FERPA section of the student account.

Once a student has successfully invited and assigned you to their colleges, an email with instructions on how to create and log into your account will be sent to the address used to invite you.

What is an advisor?

An advisor is a type of recommender for your Common App. If you receive support from advising and community-based organizations, you will be able to work with those counselors just as you work with your school-based counselors and teachers within the application.

Advisors will then be able to manage their caseloads and view student progress within the Common App recommendation system. You can invite up to 3 individuals to be an advisor and they do not need to be from your school or have a special address. You should consider inviting those who are helping you manage and complete your college application process. In addition, if you wish to do so, you will be able to share a view of your in-progress application with your school counselor, advisor, or mentor.

The advisor cannot make any changes to your application, they can only view the answers you've provided. If you choose to invite an advisor, that action will remain private. The advisor invitation and profile information will not be visible to any of your colleges or any other invited recommender.

How does a student remove a recommender from their list of recommenders?

The student can only remove a recommender if they have not submitted any forms. This can be done by going to the Recommenders and FERPA section, clicking the "manage recommenders" button, and then clicking the trash can icon.