<p>So I was planning on applying ED to The College of William and Mary, but after a long conversation the family and I decided against applying ED due to the need to compare financial aid offerings. </p>
<p>I fear, though, that 2 out of the 3 recommendation letters I had going out have already been sent. </p>
<p>Is this a major problem? Will WM hold onto the letters even if they don't have an application that goes along with them? Do I have to get those letters sent out again for the RD deadline?</p>
<p>Colleges are very used to having different components of a student’s application come in a bit at a time. When the first part arrives, whether it be a recommendation, a transcript, an application, the school starts a file for you. Once the file is complete, you will be reviewed for whatever deadline you put on your application. No worries.</p>
<p>I’m assuming that the teachers who wrote the recommendations didn’t mention that you were a candidate for ED. If they did, it might confuse the Admissions committee when they read it. If the teachers did mention it (if you’re not sure, ask them) you may want to call admissions and explain that you planned to apply ED but for financial reasons have decided against it. If the teachers didn’t mention it, you can relax. Good luck!</p>