Counselor Refusing to Send My LORs… What Can I Do?

I’m so frustrated and confused right now! :sob: I’m trying to apply early to some schools because I need financial aid, but right as I’m about to submit my applications, I found out my counselor hasn’t sent my teacher and counselor Letters of Recommendation (LORs) on the Common App. I went to her office to double-check, and she told me she hadn’t been notified to send them, and also she doesn’t want me applying early.

When I asked my school principal if this was even allowed, he just said it’s up to her to decide when and where I can apply, and not to argue with her. I’m honestly at a loss… Should I contact the admissions offices directly to explain the situation? Or is there any other way I can get my recommendations sent without her? I don’t want to ruin my chances just because of this. Any advice?

This is ridiculous, honestly. Can you get your parents involved? This sounds like the counselor is really sabotaging you here. Applying early is definitely supposed to help with chances of getting accepted. I’m sorry you’re dealing with this! I hope it works out.

@Paxton
Thanks for the advice, but my parents are actually overseas right now since I go to a boarding school. It’s so frustrating because this school has so much money and influence they could easily fight any complaints I make.

@Hart
Yeah, unfortunately, it’s like you’re stuck with what you get with this school. They should be doing better, though, especially if your parents are paying a lot for you to go there.

College counselor here. You have a few options still. For starters, you usually have a bit more time to send in school materials, even if your application itself is due soon.

Check on the Common App under each school in the ‘Recommenders and FERPA’ section. You should be able to invite your teachers directly to upload their letters, which skips the school’s system (like Naviance). Your teachers can upload the LORs on Common App with a direct link they get through the invite.

As for transcripts, if you’re self-reporting grades you may be okay for now, but if your schools need official transcripts, see if you can go through Parchment or even have the school registrar email them directly to the admissions offices. This can buy you some time to figure things out with the administration.

Good luck! Stay calm; I know this is really frustrating, but you still have options!

@Joss
Thanks a lot! Do you know how much more time I might have to get this sorted, or does it depend on each college’s specific deadlines?

Update: I talked to a former student from my school who went through something similar. Apparently, when he tried to apply anyway, the school changed his grades and transcript to show lower scores so he wouldn’t get accepted anywhere. He ended up having to go to community college. I don’t even know what to say to this…

@Hart
Wait, are you serious? That sounds awful. I can’t believe they would actually do that to someone.

@Hart
Wow, that’s really troubling. If you can, try to get a copy of your transcript through Parchment just to have your own record of it. Also, see if you can download an unofficial copy from Naviance. Schools usually allow a few days after the application deadline for counselors to submit materials, but it does vary.

If you can, try to loop your parents into this situation even from afar. They can formally request a complete copy of your school records under FERPA. That’s a pretty powerful way to ensure things are above board.

And honestly, your friend should think about doing the same with his records. Sometimes just requesting this stuff can put pressure on the school to act right.

@Hart
This sounds so messed up. Would you be okay naming the school? I’m just curious because it sounds unreal.

@Joss
I’m a college advisor too, and sadly, private schools sometimes have the ability to do this without oversight. You could try emailing your counselor and CCing your parents, principal, and other admin staff. Maybe try to cite NACAC guidelines and remind them that you’re serious about this.

Out of curiosity, are you by any chance from the Aurora, IL area? If this doesn’t resolve, it might even be worth going to a local news station, though I realize you’re on a tight deadline here.

I’m reaching out to u/prsehgal and u/skieurope12… please help if you see this!

Unfortunately, the counselor’s recommendation is a necessary part of the application, so even if you get teacher recommendations, you’ll still need her approval.

James said:
Unfortunately, the counselor’s recommendation is a necessary part of the application, so even if you get teacher recommendations, you’ll still need her approval.

Thanks for answering! Do you think it would help if I contacted the admissions offices directly and explained that my counselor isn’t cooperating? I’m really at a loss for what to do.