<p>So I had my two favorite teachers write letters of recommendation over the summer. I asked them each for the number of copies I needed. So I have their envelopes with their signature over the seal and my name on the front of the envelope. So...now what? How do I send them?</p>
<p>Another embarrassing question. A couple of the envelopes got slightly stained in the corners (some drink of mine I think). And one is a little messed up on the back. If I send them in, will they look tacky and like I don't care? Or do colleges only care about what's inside...?</p>
<p>Are you applying using the Common Application? If yes, then typically the teachers forward the recommendations via the Common Application. Mailing is still acceptable but you have to hope that your recommendations GET to the right person, and into your folder… and since you can’t open the envelope, you can’t make a copy of it (and let’s pray that your teacher actually made a copy in case the USPS loses your envelope).</p>
<p>With regards to the staining on the envelopes, since your name is on the front, you will have to place the envelope into another envelope… this means that you can’t hope that the admissions dept blames the USPS for the staining…</p>
<p>I would recommend you go tomorrow to your guidance counselor and ask them if your teachers should be using the Common App. If your teachers kept a copy of the recommendation, you could then get rid of the stained envelope…</p>
<p>Show your teachers the envelope that’s been stained and ask them for a copy, of which I am sure they have a digital copy on their computers. First impressions are important. And I agree with Momof2back2back, that often times recommendations can be done online and preferred.</p>