Just What Exactly is the FERPA?

You'll find the FERPA agreement, or Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act agreement, under the 'My Colleges' tab in the Common App when you're applying to college. The FERPA agreement does a couple of things - all in the name of privacy. Most importantly, it authorizes the NMHS Career Center to send your confidential school records to the colleges you're applying to when you request them in Naviance. Without this important permission, we can't send your transcript because we're bound by law to maintain the confidentiality of your school records.

The second important thing the FERPA agreement does involves your teacher letters of recommendation. In the college admission process, students are expected to waive their right to access/view their letters of recommendation. There are a couple of reasons why it's important to do so. While some recommenders may not be willing to write letters for students unless the students waive their right to see them, there's a more important reason. Waiving your right to read them communicates to colleges that the letters are confidential, candid, and truthful - and that you're confident your teachers will present you in strong, positive light. Not waiving that right to see them might raise an eyebrow at the Admissions Office at the colleges where you're applying. That's something you definitely don't want to happen!

So, what can you do to make sure your letters of recommendation are good? That's easy! Ask a teacher who knows you well - ideally, one you had in a core subject during your junior or sophomore year. Provide him/her with a 'brag sheet' or a resume (you can easily create one in Naviance) that highlights your accomplishments both in and out of the classroom. Lastly, ask your teachers early, and give them at least one month to complete them. Remember, other seniors will be asking for letters, too - so, don't wait until two weeks before your admissions deadline.