<p>Hi all,</p>
<p>I am non-US resident from Israel and will (hopefully) be applying to more than a few colleges in the States next January... I wanted to ask a few questions since I am not exactly a traditional applicant.</p>
<p>I see on all of the college's websites that teacher recommendations are required. This is a bit of a problem for me as I graduated from high school almost 5 years ago (and to be honest, wasn't that great of a student then but I realize how stupid that was of me now).
So I am obviously not in touch with any of my old teachers and was wondering what can replace this other than a rec letter from my employer (though I can get 2 different recs).</p>
<p>Another thing I was wondering about is my age. I guess I just want to know if it'll work for me, against me, or serve as no factor in my application... I will be 25 when starting my first year.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot!</p>
<p>Contact the schools you’re interested and tell them that you’re a non-traditional student (older) and can’t easily get teacher recs. They may not require them for older students. Maybe they’ll ask for an employer rec (I have no idea about that…just a thought).</p>
<p>Obviously, older students (older than you) do go to college and they can’t get recs either.</p>
<p>You need to read everything, and I do indeed mean everything, at [EducationUSA</a> | Study Abroad, Student Visa, University Fairs, College Applications and Study in the U.S. / America](<a href=“http://www.educationusa.state.gov/]EducationUSA”>http://www.educationusa.state.gov/) Then make an appointment with the counselors at the advising center closest to you [EducationUSA</a> - Center Profile - U.S. - Israel Educational Foundation](<a href=“http://www.educationusa.info/centers.php?id=1297]EducationUSA”>http://www.educationusa.info/centers.php?id=1297)<br>
These counselors work with students like you every year, and should have some good ideas for you.</p>
<p>besides your parents, is there anyone that knows you well as a person?</p>
<p>Thank you happymomof1!! I will start reading everything there right now 
Though I assume the counseling there would cost quite a bit…</p>
<p>Seahawks506 - I have close friends who know me for almost 10 years… Would they even be an option?</p>
<p>Often the counselors at the EducationUSA offices are volunteers, and the fees (if any) should be minimal. I used to work with them in another country, and some group meetings were free, as was use of the library. I don’t know if the situation is different in Israel.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>