Teacher Evaluation Form (Common App)
Form Template

Navigating the college application process can be a complex journey, and among its most critical components is the teacher evaluation form, especially when applying through the Common Application. This form serves as a vital window into an applicant's academic character, intellectual curiosity, and personal growth, offering admissions committees insights that grades and test scores alone cannot convey.

The Indispensable Role of Teacher Evaluations

A teacher evaluation is far more than just a recommendation letter; it's a professional assessment from an educator who has witnessed your performance and development firsthand. For the Common App, these evaluations are crucial because they provide a holistic perspective on your capabilities. Admissions officers rely on them to understand your classroom engagement, work ethic, leadership potential, and how you interact with peers and faculty. A well-crafted evaluation can highlight specific achievements, demonstrate your resilience in challenging subjects, and paint a vivid picture of your unique contributions to the learning environment.

These evaluations are particularly important for distinguishing applicants in highly competitive pools. They can underscore qualities like creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a genuine passion for learning – attributes that are highly valued by universities. Essentially, a strong teacher evaluation validates your academic record and personal narrative, adding a layer of credibility and depth to your application.

Who Benefits and How to Approach It

The teacher evaluation process involves several key players:

• Students: Your role is to strategically choose teachers who know you best and can speak genuinely about your strengths. It's essential to approach them respectfully and provide all necessary information to help them write a compelling evaluation.
• Teachers: You are tasked with providing an honest, insightful, and detailed assessment. Focus on specific anecdotes and examples that illustrate the student's character, academic prowess, and potential for success in higher education.
• Counselors/Advisors: Often, counselors facilitate the process, guiding students on whom to ask and ensuring teachers understand the requirements and deadlines.

Best Practices for a Stellar Evaluation

To ensure your teacher evaluation stands out, consider these best practices:

• Choose Wisely: Select teachers from core academic subjects (English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language) who have taught you recently and know you well beyond just your grades. A teacher with whom you've built a strong rapport is ideal.
• Ask Early: Request evaluations well in advance of deadlines, ideally at the end of your junior year or the very beginning of your senior year. This gives teachers ample time to write thoughtful letters without feeling rushed.
• Provide a "Brag Sheet": Offer your teacher a resume, a list of your extracurricular activities, significant projects, academic achievements, and even insights into your college essays or aspirations. This helps them tailor the evaluation to your specific application narrative.
• Waive Your Right to View: Most universities prefer that students waive their right to view the evaluation. This signals to admissions committees that the evaluation is an honest and unbiased assessment, enhancing its credibility.
• Follow Up Politely: A gentle reminder closer to the deadline is acceptable, but avoid pestering. Always express gratitude for their time and effort.

By understanding the significance of the teacher evaluation form and following these guidelines, students can leverage this critical component to strengthen their Common App submissions and present a more complete and compelling profile to their dream universities.