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A recommendation letter is a valuable component of the Common Application that offers unique insights into a student's character, abilities, and potential. These letters, typically written by teachers, counsellors, or other individuals who can attest to the student's academic or personal qualities, play a crucial role in the college admissions process.
One of the primary benefits of a recommendation letter is its ability to provide a holistic view of the student. While grades and test scores offer quantitative data, a recommendation letter adds qualitative depth by showcasing the student's personality, work ethic, and contributions to the school community. This additional perspective helps admissions officers better understand the applicant beyond their academic achievements. This post will provide you with the deadline for Common App to receive recommendation letters from your recommenders.
Common App Recommendation Letter Deadline
There are different deadlines depending on if you are applying as Early Action (EA) or Regular Decision (RD). The EA deadline for submitting all required application materials including recommendation letters is November 1, and you will be notified of the decision on or before December 15. To be considered for EA, all materials must be postmarked by November 1. If you miss this deadline, you will be considered under RD. For RD applicants and those who miss the EA deadline, the RD application deadline is February 1, with all materials including recommendation letters required to be postmarked or submitted by February 1.
Important: The above dates are a general timeline of when the recommendation letters might be due. The exact dates could vary from student to student depending on the colleges/universities they are applying to. Ensure you check the date mentioned on your Common App dashboard for the exact deadline relevant to you. All recommendation letters must be submitted by 11:59 pm of the date mentioned on your Common App dashboard.
We hope this guide helps you with your Common App planning and submissions. Good luck with your college applications!
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