<p>I've found the whole college application process to be very much confusing at this point.</p>
<p>I have noticed that Common App allows me to do everything online. However, I have yet to find out how to submit a recommendation letter from someone other than a teacher. I have been led to the download forms multiple times but I still cannot find the form.</p>
<p>Is anyone familiar enough with Common App to help me out here? Thanks</p>
<p>There is a place for the guidance counselor to submit also, but as far as a letter of rec from a source completely outside of school, my son had his mail a letter directly to each college. Just make sure the full name of the student, and either SS# or Date of Birth appear in the top right corner of every page.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>But should I have them send the letter after I finalize my application? Or is it alright for them to send the letter before I apply? I don’t wish for it to get lost in the mess that’s freshman applications…</p>
<p>The colleges say it doesn’t matter what order materials are received - they start a file for a student with the first thing that comes in, and then add everything else to it.</p>
<p>So I ended up using my mentor as a teacher recommendation under advice from my counselor. I hope that it works. I found it pertinent since my mentor did teach me. Not sure how colleges will feel… <em>doubtful</em> my guidance counselor hasn’t been exactly the most reliable source I’ve had to work with :</p>