COMMON APP

RECOMMENDER GUIDE 2023/05/08

https://www.commonapp.org/counselors-and-recommenders/recommender-guide
GET STARTED
• To create a recommender account an
applicant must first invite you as a
recommender. 
• Once an applicants adds you to their
application, you'll receive an email
invitation with a link to activate
your account. You have the option to
decline an invitation or choose to use
paper forms, if you wish.
GET STARTED
• When you open the invitation link,
all you need to do is select a
password to complete the
process. If you want to update
your name or email address, you
can do so once you log in to your
account. 
Recommender System
• The Profile section asks you to
provide some basic information
about yourself and the
institution where you work. 
• The Students section shows you
all the students who have
invited  you. You can also
monitor your students’ progress,
check the status of your forms,
and complete and submit a
student’s forms to work on. 
Recommender System
• The Resources section hosts a
variety of helpful tips for
recommenders and resources
for your students.
• To begin working on a
student’s forms, click on their
name in the Student section. 
• Counselors and Teachers also
have additional information to
complete and share. 
VIDEO TO UNDERSTAND THE SYSTEM
Recommendation letters
• Colleges look to recommendation letters to see applicants from
different perspectives — to get to know them better and identify
what makes them unique. 
• Teachers write from the vantage point of the classroom. They can
provide a view of an applicant’s intellectual curiosity, creative
thought, and work habits.
Submit Forms
• Submitting forms in the Common App is simple, but before you begin, all
required questions (marked with a red asterisk) must be complete. 
• Once you’ve answered them, select the "Review and Submit" button.
First you’re asked to review your form.
• Once submitted, it cannot be modified in any way so make sure all the
information is correct. 
• The Common App for recommenders is a one-and-done process. That
means that once you submit a form, it’s sent to all the colleges you’re
assigned to. That’s why it’s important not to customize your forms for a
specific institution. 
2 Useful PDF for you)