<p>I am planning to apply to Simons’ Rock at Bard College for Fall admission, 2012. I received an extremely good letter of reccomendation from my Honors Diff. Eq. teacher this year (junior), however I checked off “I do not waive my rights… etc” under FERPA. In the reccomendation, she calls me “extremely brilliant” in total three times… Very enthusiastically, she reviews all of my accomplishments the past two years, including a publication in a peer-reviewed mathematics journal. She also states that “his true knowledge extends to the advanced graduate level”. This is in reference to mathematics. What my question is, how heavily will my having checked off that specific option influence their consideration of this possibly very influential reccomendation? I just wouldn’t want something this potentially beneficial to be screwed up because of such a minute detail… Thanks.</p>
<p>Yes, nonconfidential letters of recommendation do not carry as much weight as confidential ones. I can never understand why students do not waive their right to see such letters. It is standard guidance advice.</p>
<p>However, the letter has already been sent and it is a positive one. In the future, waive your right to see letters of rec.</p>
<p>Nobody ever told me that it could bear negatively. I just didn’t know, and as a general rule I dislike waiving my rights. I didn’t think. But for as positive as it was, would they still not weigh it considerably? I mean I think it hard to believe that any admissions counselor would find this specific letter of rec. as merely ‘not being candid’ to avoid an awkward situation. I’m just asking, and the letters have not been sent yet. Is it worth asking her to fill out another form with the rights waived? Thanks for your response</p>
<p>My S was also never told that it is preferred by the colleges that you waive your Ferpa rights. He did the same as you, and has already been accepted to several schools. I wouldn’t worry about it too much.</p>
<p>I’m sure this very positive letter will be plus in your application. Would it be even more impressive if it were confidential? Yes. But I don’t think at this point it matters.</p>
<p>However, if you end up applying to graduate schools, I strongly advise you to waive your right to see your rec letters. Student access to letters prevents complete candor by referees. As you are a very strong student, confidential letters will only make you look even better.</p>