<p>Or does it all go through the common app (assuming schools use the common app)?</p>
<p>If the college uses common app, then no, they don’t have to know unless you want to tell them or you want them to mail their recommendations straight to the school (as opposed to giving the recs to the guidance department to be mailed with transcript, etc).</p>
<p>In my case, yes. After asking them to write the recommendation, I gave them stamped and addressed envelopes for them to mail to all of my colleges. I don’t know how you can make it more confidential, because the teachers aren’t supposed to show you the recommendation I think. But don’t worry, they’re not judging you.</p>