I only applied to public schools, so I never really looked into all the do’s and don’t’s of letters of rec. I was asked for letters of rec for UC Berkeley, and when I was filling in my teacher info I chose not to waive my FERPA rights, and I didn’t know that it could possibly matter for admissions in any way. I completely trust my teachers to write good letters–in fact, my entire reasoning for not waiving was because I was excited to read them and I thought it would be a nice little confidence boost.
Both teachers submitted today, and I went to go read them but couldn’t figure out how so I did a little research and happened to find out that you’re absolutely supposed to waive your rights, and that it looks suspicious to colleges if you don’t. I’m really worried now that I just took something that may have greatly helped my chances and turned it into something that will hurt them. Any advice/experience? Does it really matter that much?
I have heard that it is more so to protect the teachers should they have written a bad recommendation for you that they do not wish you to read. If you really wanted to read the letters you can go up to them and ask in person, and FERPA is so that if they were to tell you no you can not go to college late and read them then. This may cast some doubt on your LoRs, but I’m not sure. I doubt if you were to be denied that if you had waived your rights it would’ve changed your outcome. Still, best of luck with all you applications!
Agree with @CathJR … Although they give you the option to waive or not waive your right to see the recommendations, it’s almost not an option. They want to know that the teachers or people writing your recommendations were objective and not influenced by you when writing. They may not place as much weight on the recommendation, which if it was a strong one may hurt you a bit. But, shouldn’t change the outcome I would think. Good luck.
You are misunderstanding what FERPA allows you to do. You are ONLY allowed to view your letters of recommendation AFTER you have been accepted to a college, not before.