Requesting a Letter of Recommendation/Linking Common App to Xello

Letter of recommendation is an important component and are taking into consideration for many colleges, scholarships and job applications. These recommendations can provide insight into your personal relationship with your teachers, school and community. When choosing a recommender, please consider teachers, staff and community members that you have established a strong connection with. It is encouraged that you give the recommenders at least 3 weeks to write the letters. 

STEPS TO REQUESTING A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION OR LINKING YOUR COMMON APP TO XELLO:

Step 1:

• If you are requesting a letter from a teacher/staff/other, complete the Personal Fact Sheet and share it with the recommender. Personal Fact Sheet Download Personal Fact Sheet
• If you are requesting a letter from your counselor, complete the Google form via the links below:
  • Ms. Leick (A-Do): Letter of Recommendation Form Links to an external site.
  • Mr. Kadohiro (Dr-Kh): Letter of Recommendation Form Links to an external site.
  • Mr. Johansen (Ki-Nguyen,I.): Letter of Recommendation Form Links to an external site.
  • Mr. Creeley (Nguyen, J.-Sa): Letter of Recommendation Form Links to an external site.
  • Ms. Flye (Sc-Z): Letter of Recommendation Form Links to an external site.

Step 2: Send the "Invitation Link" through Xello or Common Application to your recommenders. See below..

 

HOW TO SEND INVITATION LINK: You will need to send the "Invitation Link" to your Teacher/Counselor through Xello instead of the Common Application. Here are the steps to do so:

• If you are requesting a letter of recommendation from a teacher/counselor in the Renton School District:
  • Login to your RSD Portal > Clever > Xello > In the main Xello page select Plans > College Planning > View My Applications (College Applications) > Connect Xello with your Common App account 
  • Once your Xello and Common App is linked - Complete the FERPA Waiver in the Common App. See below:
    • Within Common App > Select " My Colleges" > Select any college from your list > Select "Recommenders and FERPA" > Complete the FERPA Release Authorization. This will apply to ALL colleges, you do not have to do this for every single college on your list.
  • Select each individual college you are applying to within Xello and "Assign" your Teacher/Counselor. Search up their names, select their name and "Send". They will receive an email notification to complete your HS Profile, upload transcript, evaluation and letter of recommendation. 
• If you are requesting a Teacher recommender OUTSIDE of the Renton School District (running start Professor, transferred from another district, etc.) follow the steps below:
  • Your recommender must complete a Teacher Evaluation form along with the letter and then MAIL it to each of your colleges that requires a letter*
  • You can download the Teacher Evaluation Form within your Common Application 
  • *You can also have your teacher/recommender email you or Mr. Nguyen (quan.nguyen@rentonschools.us) the completed Teacher Evaluation and Letter of Recommendation. Mr. Nguyen will help you mail the letters to the colleges on behalf of your recommender. 
• If you are requesting an "Other" recommender - you can do so through the Common Application (employer, coach, volunteer coordinator, etc.)

If you have issues accessing your Xello account or connecting to the Common App, email Mr. Nguyen.