<ol>
<li><p>I've read that recommendation letters require teachers to sign on the seal to preserve the integrity of the evaluation. What is this seal? Just the flap on the envelope or a separate sticker-seal?</p></li>
<li><p>What is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act? Why do I have to choose to waive my rights or not? </p></li>
<li><p>Will sending application materials periodically affect my chances of getting into a college? For e.g. say I send my financial aid forms first, then my teacher evaluations, then my Common Application, then the supplement, or in any other random order. Or should I just send them all at once.</p></li>
<li><p>Early decision deadline is Nov 1st, does that mean all the required materials must arrive at the Admissions office by that date? </p></li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li><p>Your teacher just has to sign across the sealed flap of the envelope.</p></li>
<li><p>Waiving your FERPA rights, as you said, increases the integrity of your application. By waiving these rights, you agree to never see the recs.</p></li>
<li><p>It’s probably a good idea to send everything at once, but I can’t see sending a steady stream of materials hurting your chances.</p></li>
<li><p>All required materials (Common App, supplement, transcript, recs, …) must be POSTMARKED by the Nov. 1 deadline for your application to be considered</p></li>
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<p>Most people send their stuff in all at random times. It’s not a big deal at all. Just try to get it in before the deadline if possible. That way, you will be one of the first ones they read.</p>
<p>Thanks. And one more thing, I can send application materials (financial aid forms, recommendation letters, Common Application, etc), but I heard that I should NOT send supporting documents before I send the Common Application. Is this correct?</p>
<p>No, you can send any piece at any time. For instance, my D sent her SAT scores to several schools the year before via CBs free score reports. They will start a file for you and add things that come in. The main concern is that everything has your name and any other identifiers exactly the same as on your application.</p>