<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, 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>I don't know all the specific answers to your questions, but I'll try to help. Remember that most teachers and guidance counselors have been writing recs for years, and know what to do and know how the system works. </p>
<p>Brown requires 2 recommendations. As for other colleges -- yes, there might be differences, and that's why you should go to each college website and discover for yourself what is required.</p>
<p>If you want additional recommendations from someone other than teachers, they can write them in letter form. Things might be different now, but 2 years ago schools accepted a combination of online and snail mail items. Your transcript, for example, has to be mailed. My daughter's HS mailed the transcript along with the teachers' recommendations. So I think these extra recs can be mailed. Be careful, though, not to submit too many extra recommendations -- you don't want to overwhelm the admissions office.</p>
<p>My commonapp page says all school forms (recs and GC stuff, secondary school report etc) are offline. There's no option to do it online. Unless there's a secret hidden button that I haven't found, I"m assuming it's okay to send in recs by snail mail.</p>
<p>Last I checked, the commonapp help said that the schools want either all online or offline, not a mixture of both.</p>
<p>My (international) school's position then is to just default to all paper, but we know how troublesome that is. My plan is to check if the online is usable, and if not, contact the colleges asking if they would mind if I do a mixture, failing which I will then use the (environmentally unfriendly) paper method.</p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>
<p>I'm pretty sure I mixed and matched on every single one of my applications last yeat (except for Georgetown which had to done in all paper).</p>
<p>Yup, so did I, I suppose that's why they're introducing this new system this year. Doesn't hurt to just ask I suppose.</p>
<p>But... they all say school forms are offline. Where is this elusive online option??</p>
<p>"You should select two teachers who have taught you in major academic subjects (science, social studies, mathematics, foreign language, English) to complete recommendations for you. They may complete and submit these forms online using the Common App Online School Forms system. You will be required to enter some basic contact information for your teachers which will be used to create user accounts in the system for them. They will each receive an email with the information required for them to complete and submit the online school forms on your behalf. If they would prefer to submit the forms on paper via the regular mail, they may do so. </p>
<p>Note: if you are considering the Sc.B. degree or applying to the PLME program, at least one of your recommendations should come from a math or science teacher."</p>
<p>This was pulled directly from the site. The last sentence of the first para I think says its okay for them to do it paperwise.</p>
<p>What if I want a recommendation from a teacher who isn't teaching a major subject?</p>
<p>I've taken journalism/newspaper/yearbook/publications for the past four years. My adviser definitely knows me better.</p>
<p>Do you think Brown would be okay with that?</p>
<p>My other will be from my English teacher from last year.</p>
<p>Sorry, in reply to the original question about mixing and matching see here <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/1060973052-post53.html%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/1060973052-post53.html</a></p>
<p>Also, I think Brown should be ok with that, but it's better to just ask.</p>
<p>To op:</p>
<p>I had the same question, so I just emailed their admissions office and according to them, they only accept paper recommendations.</p>
<p>Hope that helps :)</p>
<p>ahh i'm so confused!!</p>
<p>so...paper or online?!?!</p>
<p>Their website doesnt specifically say teacher recs should only be by paper. If this is true, shouldn't they put this somewhere prominent?</p>
<p>In lieu of my original question, where can I get the paper forms for my teacher recs? Is it in the download forms section in the main page? why do I need to log off first in order to get to this download forms section?</p>
<p>i couldn't find the forms either, so i just explained that to my teacher, and she was cool with it. if you find them though, let me know</p>
<p>^I think the forms are in the download forms tab at the top, but you have to log off and get out of your "my colleges" thing, which is weird if you ask me...</p>
<p>i have another question, however; is there a way to save what you typed in the Teacher rec forms? You are able to type in your name, address, info, etc. directly on the form before printing it out, but I wish there was a way to save all of this typed info in the forms, which would save me the trouble of typing it all over again every time I download the form. Any help?</p>
<p>Unfortunately, unless you have acrobat (not just the reader) installed, there's no way as of now.</p>
<p>I've emailed Brown and just to settle this whole online/offline nonsense, they have explictly mentioned that they are accepting online recs as well.</p>