Guidance Center

Recommendations

A MINIMUM OF TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE FIRST DEADLINE IS REQUIRED.

 

College Application and Recommendation Process

• Most schools use online applications and recommendation systems now, however, if your school requires paper forms and recommendation letters, please meet with your counselor to go over the necessary requirements.

• A majority of schools use online application systems which allow you to apply to multiple schools through one site.  The most commonly used system is the Common Application, but others include SendEdu, The Universal College App, and QuestBridge. 

• If UK is the only school you are applying to, do NOT use the Common Application—use UK’s online application.  OR if you are only applying to one school do not use the multiple application systems…they usually require more than the individual school application.     

• Students will complete all information requested by the application online and pay the application fee online with a credit card. 

• Students on free or reduced lunch or with great financial need should speak with their counselor before paying any fees.

• If the online systems are used (Common App, SendEdu, etc.) the counselor must be ‘invited’, which is done by providing an email address.  Counselors must complete the Secondary School Report.  This report will include an electronic upload of the transcript.  You do not have to order these transcripts, we will upload them automatically in the online systems.  There is no charge for electronic uploads of transcripts.        

• If recommendations are required, the student will be asked to provide the email information for the teachers and counselor making the recommendation.  You must provide this information so the recommenders will be linked to your account. 

• Provide your counselor and teacher with a resume, senior information sheet, and self-recommendation letter—all of this is very helpful for counselors and teachers to write the best, most informative letter of recommendation for you. 

• Request recommendations from your counselor and teachers at least 2 weeks before your first deadline—more than 2 weeks is preferable and advised. 

• Advice on choosing a teacher to write teacher recommendations:

  • Choose two teachers who can provide different perspectives about you when possible.

  • Ask the teacher if they feel comfortable writing a letter for you—if they hesitate, choose a different teacher.

  • While it is okay to choose a teacher from your freshman or sophomore year, it is advisable to choose a teacher with whom you have had recent interactions.  If a freshman or sophomore teacher is the sponsor of a club or organization and therefore you have maintained consistent contact, asking them will be fine.

  • Colleges do not want to receive more than the requested recommendations if possible.  You should send an additional recommendation only if the person can truly add completely different and vital information about you.  Only one additional letter or supplemental page can be sent.      

• If an online application system such as the Common App is NOT used, students will request transcripts via Parchment.  There is no charge for transcripts sent via Parchment. 

• If a college does not participate in receiving electronic transcripts from Parchment, students will need to place the order for the paper transcript in the counseling office. This will be rare!! 

• Paper copies of transcripts will cost $1 each.

• All electronic transcripts, will include a copy of the school profile and the MSTC brochure which describes the program in detail.  All paper copies of the transcript will include the school profile and MSTC students will also include the MSTC brochure.