Letters of Recommendation Waiver

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Waiving the right to see college recommendations is commonly advised, as it can enhance the perceived honesty and credibility of the recommendations. Admissions committees may view confidential recommendations as more trustworthy, potentially leading to a stronger impression of the applicant. Concerns exist that not waiving the right could suggest a lack of confidence in the recommendations or that the teacher may have felt pressured to write positively. While theoretical risks are acknowledged, the actual impact of not waiving the right remains uncertain, leading to a preference for confidentiality among many applicants. Ultimately, the standard advice is to waive the right for a more favorable evaluation.
Doctor Elect
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Just a quick question. I'm passing out college recommendations right now and it asked me whether or not I want to waive my right to see the recommendations. My friends swears that not waiving your right can actually hurt you becuase they will think the teachers aren't being honest. Is this true.
 
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I would think the opposite, if you don't waive your right to see them, then when the admissions looks at them, they don't know if the glowing rec is because you really deserve it, or because the person who wrote it knew you could read it later so they didn't say anything bad.
 
jbusc said:
I would think the opposite, if you don't waive your right to see them, then when the admissions looks at them, they don't know if the glowing rec is because you really deserve it, or because the person who wrote it knew you could read it later so they didn't say anything bad.

oops, I forgot to put "not" in the paragraph
 
I know all the theoritical ways in which it could hurt but does anyone know if it actually does. Because I want to see my recommendations if it doesn't seriously hurt me.
 
Standard advice is to waive your right. Confidential rec is weighted more heavily.
 

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