For Counselors: Counselor Recommendation Updates

We’re excited to introduce an improved experience for Counselors Recommendations in Scoir! 🚀

Now, similar to the release for Teacher Recommendations, counselors can provide additional context and information about applicants that colleges find valuable. Plus, the updates support Common App requirements for schools that integrated for the 2025-26 application year. 🎉

Let's dive in. 

• Getting Started with Counselor Recommendations
• Optional Student Evaluation Fields
• Improved Short Recommendations
• Opting into the Common App Integration?

Getting Started with Counselor Recommendations

We’ve updated the Counselor Recommendation experience with a more intuitive design and aligned it with the Common App requirements for those who opted into the integration for the 2025-26 school year.

Optional Student Evaluation Fields

When writing a Counselor Recommendation, you now have the option to complete a brief Student Evaluation. These questions are designed to give colleges more context about a student’s academic journey and personal strengths.

Here’s what you’ll be asked:

1. How long have you known this student, and in what context?
2. What are the first words that come to your mind to describe this student?

These responses are optional, but they’re a valuable way to add depth to your recommendation and help your students stand out.

Improved Short Recommendations

The layout for writing Short Recommendations has been refreshed as part of this update. You can still attach a file or type your recommendation directly, just like before.

You’ll also notice a small update. There’s now an option to indicate if you’re not submitting a personal written evaluation.

Opting into the Common App Integration?

📣 The window to opt into Common App integration for the 2025–26 application year is now closed. We'll reach out in the spring so your school can opt in next year if you choose! Check out our FAQs to learn how it all works.

As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts! We're all ears.👂