<p>My school sends in our transcript, reccs, and any other paper forms through the mail about a week before the deadline. Am I allowed to send in my common app online after the colleges receive my papers in the mail? Or do I have to submit my app first so they know I'm actually applying there?</p>
<p>You don’t need to send in your information in any particular order.</p>
<p>So they the colleges will automatically assume that I am applying there if I send in my paperwork before my online app?</p>
<p>No, they’ll just set up a “folder” with all of your paperwork. It is saved, but will be disregarded if you don’t end up completing your application online. They don’t assume anything, nor should they have to.</p>
<p>They will start a file for you as soon as they receive any information on you, but they will not start reading your application until it’s complete. Another thing is the deadline applies to your application, not necessary to your supporting document(s). Another word, if your school sends in your transcript or recommendation letters few days (or weeks sometimes) late, as long as you have sent in your application on time, then it should be fine.</p>
<p>An additional question on the same topic, I can also send the invitation to teachers and counselors to begin their recommendations without having to have finished my own application, right?</p>
<p>Yes, you can and you definitely should be inviting your teachers now to submit recs. Don’t wait on this because you want your teachers to have plenty of time. On the common app site in the school forms section you should add their names on a school by school basis to get that process started. Once you add their names and email addresses, they will get an email from the common app inviting them to recommend you. The email they receive gives them the option to either submit recs online or on paper. You’ll be notified through the common app if they choose paper (and the teacher will probably tell you). For teachers who will be submitting paper recs, you should give them the forms and stamped addressed envelopes.</p>
<p>Thanks! I’ve been a bit fuzzy on that! :)</p>