FERPA: Can students request a copy of their admissions files under FERPA?

Yes, admitted students have this ability under FERPA. An admissions file directly relates to a student and is maintained by the University so it is an “education record” under FERPA. However, there are limitations:

• Education institutions are not required to let a student see confidential letters of recommendation written for admissions’ applications if the student waived the right to see this material.
• FERPA only applies once a student is admitted and enrolled -- an applicant that was not admitted or that did not enroll cannot request their file under FERPA. (That right may exist under other legal rights however.)

Students have recently used this right under FERPA at Stanford University.