Since launching its online transcript service for registrars, The Common Application has received good questions and advice on how to use and clarify the process for students and registrars. Here are some of the more common questions, along with information on how to request assistance.
What is new about The Common Application for transfer applicants?
This year, registrars can submit official transcripts on behalf of transfer applicants using The Common App's free and secure online system. They implemented this new feature at the specific request of many registrars and college admission officers. This online system is the same one high school counselors and teachers have been using since 2008 to support first-year applicants.
Why are registrars receiving email invitations requesting transcripts on behalf of transfer applicants?
The email invitation process allows a transfer applicant to identify the college official who will be responsible for sending the student's official transcript. By providing the registrar's email name and email address, the system is able to alert the registrar of the applicant's request for an official transcript. The message will be sent from <sfsupport@commonapp.net>.
What action should a registrar take upon receiving an invitation?
Registrars have two options. If they wish to submit transcripts online through the Common App system, they should click the link indicating that this is their intent. That action will take them to the Account Creation page. If they wish to submit on paper or through other means, they can click the opt-out link. Whichever action they take will apply to all subsequent applicants who send an invitation.
Some registrars have observed that the Common App invitation process contradicts their own institutional processes. How can registrars reconcile the two?
The Common App process is not in any way designed to supersede an institutional process. Registrars who require that students submit items such as fees and transcript request forms can simply opt out of the online process. Doing so will generate a pdf version of the Registrar Report form, which applicants can access from within their Common App accounts. If a registrar is not able to complete the questions on the form, the applicant will be instructed to have the form completed and mailed by a dean, adviser, or other college official. A copy of the Registrar Report form should accompany the transcript for any applicant using the Common App Transfer Application, and it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide this form to the Registrar.
What information does the Registrar Report collect?
The Registrar Report replaces the former College Officials Report. They have posted a sample of the Registrar Report on the website. The information collected on the form is critically important to our 517 member colleges as they evaluate candidates for admission.
How does the Common App invitation process comply with FERPA?
All applicants must agree to the following release authorization as part of their application process: "I authorize every school that I have attended to release all requested records and recommendations to colleges to which I am applying for admission. I also authorize employees at these colleges to confidentially contact my current and former schools should they have questions about the information submitted on my behalf."
Who can AACRAO members contact if they have more questions?
The Common App online support team is ready to assist. Please visit recsupport.commonapp.org and click the "Ask a Question" tab. For more information about The Common Application, visit their website.
--Submitted by The Common Application