On the common app I ticked: I have authorized release of all requested records covered under the FERPA act and have not waived my right to access.
Will this mean that once I invite my counselor and she submits my forms Ill be able to read everything and see my transcripts and all?’
Im applying cornell ed will me being able to see my transcripts and recs affect the adcom’s decision on whether i should be accepted or rejected
Yes, choosing to not waive FERPA means you can see your recommendations and transcripts.
However, because you chose to do so, it may affect your ability to have teachers write for you (some won’t write if FERPA is not waived), and admission officers will not think that your recs were written honestly (since you would be allowed to see them, your teachers may not give a truthful portrayal of who you are). It can certainly have an effect on your admission decision.
Not exactly. Choosing not to waive FERPA means that you can read your recs only at the college at which you are enrolled and if said college saves the recs for enrolled students. Having said that, I agree with the above that not waiving FERPA may impact the honesty of your recs, and even still, there is nothing to preven an AO from calling the GC and asking for a verbal assessment.
HS’s will often show/give transcripts to students, since little, if anything on the transcript is something the student has not seen.