College Recommendation Letters

Many of you have been sending in lots of college applications and I'm so proud and excited for you! You're researching schools and majors, going on campus tours, and asking a TON of questions (I love it, honest!).

I just want to remind you all, that even though you have pressed the big SUBMIT button, your application is NOT finished! Almost every school you apply to will be looking for some further documentation. Here is some info and tips on everything you'll need to send in.

Transcripts

• CUNY: As long as you put your OSIS # in the application, they automatically receive your transcript. The perks of applying to a public school from a public school!
• SUNY: Once you fully submit your application (with payment), your name and application info will pop up on the SUNY CounselorConnect, which is checked every day. We upload your transcript immediately.
• A sidenote: Even though we do upload your transcript, you DO have to fill out the Student Online Academic Report (SOAR). I know it's a lot of information, but it is a required part of your application. 
• Common App: CommonApp has a Counselor Portal very similar to the SUNY one, which means once you submit your application, your name pops up on the list and your transcript is uploaded. The difference, however, is that your transcript is not submitted until your entire Counselor School Report is submitted. More info on that in the Recommendation area. 
• Other schools: There is no definitive process for the rest of the schools (non-CUNY, non-SUNY, non-CommonApp); each school will have a different method. Many schools use SendEDU.org (ex: NJIT, Wentworth, St. John's, just to name a few); these schools will tell you to bring a Document Request Form to your Counselor. It will also ask you to put in my name and email information - this does not mean it will automatically be sent to me! You still need to bring in the document request form in order for me to upload all of your information to the school and complete your application. There are a few schools left who do not have any electronic upload option; these schools will give you an address to  mail to and an application ID number to attach to the information. Please bring in that information.

Recommendations:
Some quick info about your letters of recommendation before giving school specific info. Choose the people you request letters from wisely. I strongly suggest you get one from your shop teacher, as they have been with you 2 periods a day for the last 3 years. They know you and your work better than most other teachers. After that, think of teachers whose classes you've done exceptionally well in. Outside of school, think of mentors, internship or volunteer supervisors with whom you've done a lot of work that you are proud of. Do not exceed THREE recommendation letters, unless a school specifically asks for it.

• CUNY: The CUNY General Freshman Admission application does not *require* letters of recommendation, however they would be a great supplement to your application, as many students do NOT submit them. If you are getting recommendations for other schools, you might as well send them in with your CUNY application! The Macaulay Honors application does require two recommendation letters. You are able to electronically send a request - but please follow up with the people you have sent requests to.
• SUNY: Similar to the CUNY app, most SUNY schools do not *require* letters of recommendation, but they add to the big picture of who you are as a student and as a person. The SUNY CounselorConnect is able to accept TWO recommendation letters, so make sure they are from the people who can most accurately speak about your strengths and accomplishments.
• CommonApp: CommonApp gives you the option to electronically request recommendations from teachers/supervisors/etc. Please follow up in person with these people. Hard to believe but some people do not check their email as often as you! The best way to get your recommendation done as soon as possible is to personally ask your recommenders. 
• Your CommonApp submission is dependent on your actual application, your transcript, your rec letters, your essay and the school report. The school report is filled out by me, your Guidance Counselor. This report can NOT be submitted without a Guidance Counselor recommendation. Stop in and see me if you have filled out a CommonApp.
• Other schools: Every school outside of these three forms will be different. Some will specifically say no recommendations, some will say recommendations are not required (similarly to CUNY - send them in!), some will ask for one, two, or three. Do NOT send more than what the school is asking for. Think of the amount of paperwork they are reading as it is! They do not want to read extra. On that note, they may not even read extra ones you send in. Request hard copies of recommendation letters from your recommenders.

   The Essay:

• You have all heard how important the essay is to your college application. It gives you a chance to speak about *you* and give a better picture of who you are as more than just the numbers on your transcript. Mrs. Marsigliano is amazing at helping with college essays. Also, don't hesitate to speak to your English teachers for help with your essay!
• CUNY: Just like the recommendations - not required, but would help your application out.
• SUNY: Required on almost all school's supplemental applications. 
• CommonApp: Required step in the application
• Other schools: Some schools will ask for an essay, other schools will not. Similar to the recommendation letters - if it is not *required*, send it in. If they say no essay, don't send it in. Most schools will require an essay as part of the application. 

Secondary School Report: 
A Secondary School Report (SSR) is filled out by your Guidance Counselor (me!). It is a simple form which asks for your rank and GPA and course load information. Almost all schools ask for one to be filled out. The SSR also asks for a Guidance Counselor recommendation. You must come see me after filling out any applications because we need to speak and I need to know as much about you as possible to write an accurate (and glowing!) recommendation letter. It is incredibly important that you come see me as soon as possible as your application will not be complete until the SSR is submitted.

• CUNY: Does not require or request a SSR.
• SUNY: The SSR is automatically requested in the SUNY CounselorConnect portal and is immediately submitted when your transcript is submitted.
• CommonApp: As stated earlier, the CommonApp School Report requires a Counselor Recommendation in order to be completely submitted. Please come see me if you have filled out a CommonApp and I haven't contacted you yet.
• Other schools: As with everything else mentioned above, every school outside of these forms will be different. Almost all will request an SSR. Make sure you completely read through your application confirmation page. They may give you links to forms for you to print out and bring to your Counselor. Read all of your application requirements FULLY!!

Supplementals
Supplemental material will be asked of you from some schools. All SUNY apps are finished when the supplemental applications are complete. For most SUNY schools, the supplemental is your essay and senior courseload. For schools that focus on art, architectural or graphic design, you may be asked to complete and submit a portfolio.  Pay close attention to what is asked of you after you press the SUBMIT button!!

As always, come chat with me if you have any questions!

-Ms. Miller