Recommendation letters are an indispensable part of the study-abroad application process.
During the online application process, you will see a question about waiving the right to access/review in the recommendation section, asking whether the applicant wishes to view the recommendation letter content.
Source: Internet
This simple checkbox option can make some students hesitate when deciding, unsure which is the best choice.
What Does Waiving the Right to View Recommendation Letters Mean?
Admissions offices pose this question to fulfill obligations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 in the U.S.
This act grants all enrolled students the right to access their educational records. If a student is admitted and enrolls, their application materials become part of their student record.
Since it is a student right, universities are obligated to include this question in the online application system.
If You Choose to "Waive the Right to View the Recommendation Letter"
Even if admitted and enrolled, the student cannot view the content of the recommendation letters submitted on their behalf.
If You Choose "Not to Waive the Right to View the Recommendation Letter"
If admitted and enrolled, the recommendation letters become part of the student's record. The student has the right to access that record, including the recommendation letter content, after enrollment.
This right only applies after enrollment. If not enrolled, the student has no right to view the recommendation letters.
Note also that both the recommenders and the admissions program can see whether the student has chosen to waive the right to view the recommendation letter.
Source: Harvard
Generally, waiving the right to view recommendation letters is the ideal choice. Choosing not to waive could negatively impact your application.
Why You Should Waive the Right to View Recommendation Letters
For Admissions Offices
From the school's perspective, recommendation letters where the right has not been waived may be considered lacking credibility.
Waiving the right indicates that the student trusts the recommender to provide an objective evaluation without the student's knowledge, and also shows confidence in their own qualifications.
Typically, admissions offices assume that recommendation letters with waived rights provide more honest feedback, helping them better assess a student's qualifications.
Source: Harvard
For Recommenders
Recommenders are chosen by the student. Normally, the content of the recommendation letter should not cause the student any pressure.
As mentioned earlier, recommenders can see whether the student has waived the right to view the letter. When they know the letter will remain confidential, they are more likely to write an honest and fair evaluation.
Given concerns about litigation and negative repercussions, most recommenders consider waiving the right to be standard practice; otherwise, writing a candid letter poses a risk.
If a student chooses not to waive, it essentially questions their trust in the recommender. Some recommenders, especially professors/supervisors abroad, are sensitive to this and may ask the student to change to waive, or even refuse to provide a recommendation letter.
Source: Academia
What to Do If You Chose "Not to Waive"
If the recommender has not yet submitted the letter, you can click "Exclude" in the online application system, re-enter the recommender's information, and select waive.
If the recommender has already submitted the letter, contact the admissions office right away and ask if they can help change the previous selection.
Admittedly, there are cases where students who did not waive still received offers, but waiving the right remains the standard and most common practice. Unless there are compelling special circumstances, it is recommended to choose waive.
How to Choose the Right Recommenders
If you're concerned about the recommendation letter content, start from the source: choose the right recommender.
When selecting recommenders, be sure to choose someone who knows your academic, professional, and personal qualities, and can fully attest to your strengths, achievements, attitude, and potential contributions to the school.
For a professor recommender, once you have a target, make extra effort in and after class to be noticed so the professor remembers you.
If you have performed well, you can even ask the professor about their recommendation letter criteria in advance, and confirm at the end of the course if they are willing to write a recommendation. Building a good relationship is a bonus, but the most important thing is to study hard. Only by earning an A will you have a solid foundation to request a recommendation.
If you have opportunities for office hours during the application season, bring materials such as your résumé, transcript, list of programs, and essays to help the professor better understand your situation and provide a more informed recommendation.
In short, you need a candidate who can write a heartfelt, application-boosting recommendation letter, so choose carefully from the outset.
It's always better to request recommendation letters early rather than late. Professors often have a limited number of recommendation slots each year, so don't wait until the application peak to start.
Recommendation Letter Request Timeline
We wish everyone success in securing strong recommendations and laying a solid foundation for your application season!
