<p>So, like dozens of other kids, I did not waive my FERPA rights by mistake. I've heard that colleges won't take your recs seriously because of this. All my recs and counselor forms have been submitted so I can't change anything.</p>
<p>Would you recommend I write a short excerpt in the additional information section saying that I made a mistake? Or would that just hurt me even more?</p>
<p>bump bump bump</p>
<p>FERPA is about more than just the hs recc letters. It protects the confidentiality of student records and some specific data. U’s worry about protecting their faculty from lawsuits for disclosing specifics they did not have the “right” to.
Re: admissions: this is from one U’s site: “In plain terms, everyone is more comfortable when a student opts for a confidential letter, and such a letter will also likely be perceived as more trustworthy.” If you are a solid candidate and your letters match your obvious accomplishments, talents, strengths, you’re probaby fine. I have seen great letters for tippy top students and they generally speak of superior strengths, hurdles the kid overcame, leadership the kid showed in class or other ativities, intellectual potential, etc. This is really their purpose- not to reveal some of those protected specifics like whether you got an A+, which is on the transcript. Maybe others have more to say.</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure my recs are of the typical, almost generic kind.
So, again, would you recommend I solicit an explanation that it was a mistake? I’m losing my mind over this. :(</p>
<p>Bottom line: if your reccs match your overall picture, I wouldn’t worry. Reccs should come from teachers who can write them well. So, even if you did not waive, they would know how to write around that. (Wonder why you got no feedback from them.) The Ferpa protects your actual records. As I mentioned before, a good recc is about your qualities.</p>
<p>Adcoms are: savvy regarding circumstances/loopholes; very aware of the dumb things kids do; able to tell a great recc from bs, skilled at reading between the lines. I think they would worry about the waiver mostly if a student had some blot on her record- and it appeared the student had this info blocked. IMO.</p>
<p>"Statements made by a person making a recommendation that are made from that persons personal observation or knowledge do not require a written release from the student who is the subject of the recommendation. However, if personally identifiable information obtained from a students educational record is included (GPA, grades, etc.), the writer is required to obtain a signed release from the student. This letter would become a part of the students educational record and the student has the right to read it unless he/she has waived that right. TAMU</p>
<p>“A person writing a reference letter is free to include his personal observations/assessments of the student as long as those observations/assessments cannot be identified as an education record.” Since you’re sleepless, check: [FERPA</a> Compliance for Recommendation Letter Writers | College of Architecture, Planning & Design](<a href=“http://capd.ksu.edu/current-students/policies/ferpa-compliance-for-recommendation-letter-writers]FERPA”>http://capd.ksu.edu/current-students/policies/ferpa-compliance-for-recommendation-letter-writers)</p>
<p>I don’t know (truly, don’t have a gut feeling) if you should open the “can of worms” and ask the GC/teachers if they felt constrained when writing your reccs. (Noticed you had other issues w/GC.) The fact that teachers didn’t mention it, makes me wonder if they noticed. FYI, in our case, if the GC felt some U was very sensitive to waivers- and, determined that the recc-writers had NOT felt constrained- she would have placed the call.</p>
<p>This might help:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/common-application/1013426-guide-ferpa-rights.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/common-application/1013426-guide-ferpa-rights.html</a></p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/common-application/997046-so-i-retained-my-rights.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/common-application/997046-so-i-retained-my-rights.html</a>
In that thread, silverturtle remarks that Yale sees it as a flag. (Several threads going now that discuss this, but the kids (with just an exception or two) have not yet submitted letters.) I did some research and can’t find anything to back that up- Yale or otherwise. One school marks the LOR “non-confidential.” No one discusses the impact- except those “college advice” sites. (Nothing is attributed in any way that validates it.) Most U web info is about “compliance.” Ie, how U faculty and staff must protect info. Chronicle of Higher Ed has a forum in which profs discuss the issue and the majority won’t write an LOR w/o the waiver.
Audrey, with this new perspective, if you were my daughter, I’d discuss it with the GC; he/she s supposed to be your advocate. Perhaps he knows the impact- with some certainty. If not (and, I know you had another issue with the GC,) I would place calls myself. I would state the basics, that it was a mistake, no teacher or the GC flagged it, and ask how to proceed. One or two calls may be all it takes to assure you- or give you an idea of the need to resolve and the path to take.</p>
<p>This is just one of those dumb things that happens in life. Good Luck-- and let us know.</p>