Requesting Outside Recommendations for College Applications
Students may choose to request a recommendation from a coach, mentor, employer, community leader, or another trusted adult outside of school.
Before requesting a recommendation
Ask the recommender directly if they are willing to write a letter.
Review each college's application requirements to determine whether outside recommendations are accepted and how they should be submitted.
Provide your recommender with any information they may need, such as your resume, activities, accomplishments, or deadlines.
Request recommendations well in advance of application deadlines.
Students are responsible for requesting, monitoring, and managing all recommendations from individuals outside of their high school.
For Non-Common App Colleges
Log in to Naviance and go to "Colleges I'm Applying To."
Under Letter of Recommendation Types, select "Other Recommender."
Naviance will send instructions to the outside recommender.
The recommender submits the letter directly to the college.
Monitor the recommendation status in Naviance.
For Common App Colleges
Request and manage outside recommendations directly through the Common App. Follow the instructions provided within your Common App account to invite and track outside recommenders.
Tip: Give recommenders at least 2-3 weeks' notice whenever possible and provide all required information before the college application deadline.