If I'm applying online, can I still get paper recs? - Merged threads

<p>I'm going to apply online on commonapp, and they told me not to "mix/match" the various parts of the application. I was just wondering if I can still get my teachers to write my recs on paper even though I'm applying online. I know i have the option of inviting them to do it online, but i don't think i want to do that. also, a less important question is, how many recs do colleges require? some of them have supplements that require recs in addition to the "main" recs, and they don't really provide the forms for those "supplements" recs for special combined programs. What about my mentors, like research professors? Do i give them the same "teacher evaluation" forms, even though they're not my teachers? I'm soooo confused...</p>

<p>bump.... please help anyone</p>

<p>To the first one -- many schools will require you to submit some documents in paper in addition to your online application, including your recommendations.</p>

<p>As for the other one, I'm definitely not an authority in that.</p>

<p>I'm applying online, but my school can't do electronic transcripts or recommendations so those will all be on paper.</p>

<p>As far as how many recommendations to send, check with each college. One supplemental recommendation is usually okay if it adds something new to the application, per se. You don't want to simply reiterate what's in the other recommendation(s).</p>

<p>Teachers sending paper recs is absolutely fine. At my D's school, students were instructed to supply the teachers with stamped addressed enveopes, and the form. Envelopes had the HS address as return address, as well as the contents (teacher rec) and student name and common app ID on the envelope (or birthdate). Teachers sent their rec letters along with the form directly to the college.</p>

<p>Mentors/research directors can send a letter separately. Be sure to also give him/her stamped addressed envelope with the same info. Best also for the mentor's actual letter to also have your ID info on top of the letter somewhere.</p>

<p>Depends on the college how many recs are sent. Usually two teachers and a gc form . Some gcs also write a rec if they find there's not enough space on the comments part of the form, and this is fine. Some schools do not want extra letters, but others accept one or two extras (from outside school) as long as they give info about you that wouldn't be in a teacher rec.</p>

<p>I have a question:
For example, if an applicant asks two teachers for recs (also one for GC), does each teacher send rec individually (or separately) to the college, or do they send those recs (and transcript ect.) together by one envelope?</p>

<p>wanji: Each teacher (and the gc) sends the form/rec separately. Teachers don't all have the same timetables so recs may arrive at the college at different times. This is fine. That's why you need to supply the envelopes to each person. Unless, your school has its own system, but this is how it's usually done.</p>

<p>thanks Sequoia</p>