Recommendations - To Waive or Not to Waive?

[dcbschoolseeker]

Hi Stacy,

What is your take on choosing to waive or not waive the applicant's right to access the recommendations?

I am applying to six schools (all top 20-ranking institutions). I have assembled a team of four recommenders -- all former or current supervisors -- who will write three to four recommendations each, depending on the areas of my professional experience I would like to highlight based on each school's core values, highlights, etc.

I have a great professional and personal relationships with all four people. The only reason I'd like to have access to the recommendations is for future reference. For instance, if I do not get into my top choices, I would probably reapply next year, and would like to have all background information available to me.

I am pretty confident that I would get into at least one of these six... Am I just being overly anxious about these recommendations? Do these waiver decisions impact the Admissions committees' perspective/decision?

Thanks for your feedback.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear dcbschoolseeker,

If you are confident that your recommenders will write glowing letters for you, then you should waive your right to see the recommendations. When you reserve the right, schools will not place as much value on the recommendations as when you waive the right. The reason being is that they will assume the recommenders might not be as candid if they think you might see the recommendation. If you have a great relationship with these four people, then you should be able to ask them for a copy in the event you need it.

Regards,
Lisa