<p>What are the disadvantages and advantages of the online application and paper application? If I use a paper application, am I allowed to type my essays, print them out, and attach them to my application (instead of writing them by hand within the application packet)? Thanks!!</p>
<p>P.S.- When should I ask my teachers for recommendations? My school starts in a little less than two weeks now and I want to apply early. Also, would it look bad if I got both of my recommendations from two teachers that taught me the same subject (ex. AP Chem teacher and Honors Chem teacher)?</p>
<p>Well the online application is more safe and fast. It would get to the adcom more quickly. There's always the possibility of the paper application being lost in the mail.</p>
<p>I would suggest getting the 2 recs from 2 different teachers in 2 different subjects. But I am not so sure.</p>
<p>I know both of my teachers will give me the best recommendations out of all of my other teachers, and I plan on pursuing a field in chemistry. However, if it's looked down upon, I can try to find another teacher. Any opinions?</p>
<p>Thanks flutterbyhigh for the link. I'll probably apply online anyway, but when I ask for teachers' recommendations and ask my guidance counselor for hers, do I just print out that section of the application and give it to them (along with an envelope and stamps)?</p>
<p>That's exactly what you should do!</p>
<p>Ahh I see.. thank you!</p>
<p>Also, does anyone have any idea on what I should do about my teachers' recommendations?</p>
<p>you should get recs from two different subject areas. Those two teachers would probably overlap in their recommendations since they would both be talking about your performance in chemistry. If you feel like both would have unique and different things to say about you, and that your other subject areas are too weak, then maybe you could use their letters. But I think in general you should try to show you're not just a one-trick horse, or whatever the expression is. Show that you've got talents in more than one field; if you're good in chemistry, wouldn't you probably also be good in biology or physics?</p>
<p>I don't know how well my biology teacher would remember me, especially because our 9th graders are in a different building (middle school). However, I don't know about physics either. I got an A in the class, but I didn't 'connect' as well with my teacher as I did with my chemistry teachers. I mean we're on good terms, but we didn't talk that often. Also, my test grades kind of fluctuated in that class, since some chapters could be so much harder than others. Would it be a good idea to get a recommendation from him?</p>
<p>You'll probably have to make that judgement call yourself. I don't know if your teachers will let you read the rec letters (some of my teachers did, while others left the envelope unsealed), but if you do get a chance, you might discover that the teacher you got along so well with isn't too great of a writer. And the teacher who you thought only regarded you as a so-so student managed to bring out your best attributes in your letter. That's something I discovered at least. So think about not just which teachers liked you the most, but which seem to be the best writers and more generous with their compliments.</p>
<p>KRabble, don't use 2 science teachers, that is almost as bad as 2 chem teachers.</p>
<p>Well, here's the situation.</p>
<p>My 10th grade chemistry teacher was a wonderful writer, because in addition to her degree in chemistry, she had a degree in English.</p>
<p>My 11th grade chemistry teacher is very competent and I got along with him very well. He's probably not as good at writing (compared to my 10th grade teacher), but he could probably write better than most of my other teachers (except for social studies and English). I thought it would be a good idea to get my recommendation from him, since it was an AP class.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, I got a B in both English and American Studies this year, so I figure my recommendations would not be as strong with those teachers. Also, I wasn't as well connected with them on a personal level, and they probably can't pinpoint substantial strengths and weaknesses.</p>
<p>Argh!!</p>
<p>You don't have to get recommendations in 2 different subject areas unless the colleges specifically ask for this. Two teachers in the same subject area may still highlight in their recommendations different aspects of your character and abilities.</p>
<p>If I end up getting recommendations from my two chemistry teachers, should I tell them that I am getting the other recommendation from my other chemistry teacher also? Would that help make sure that their recommendations won't overlap?</p>
<p>KRabble, not necessarily. What would help would be if you give the teachers copies of your best papers, tests in your class, and a note reminding them of anything special you did on projects for their class or in activities that they advise. Each teacher should be writing about you from his/her perspective related to what the teacher saw in class or ECs. That's why the recommendations shouldn't overlap.</p>
<p>I still wouldn't do it. It shouts loud and clear "I can't do anything except chemistry". You can't tell me there isn't anyone from any other area that wouldn't write a decent one. Think long and hard before you do this, maybe send 3 to the schools that will take them.</p>