<p>this may sound stupid, but I'm still gonna ask. if I'm planning on applying for let's say 6 colleges, do I write 1 essay and use it for all of them? or do I have to write 6 different essays?? and one more thing, for the recommendation letters from the teachers, do they have to write the same thing 6 times? or could they just use a copy machine???</p>
<p>EVERYTHING DEPENDs........</p>
<p>ESSAY: If the prompt is the same (like if you're applying with the Common App), then you can send in the same essay. The point of the Common App is to make it easier for the applicant: you do one application, and with it you can apply to as many colleges as you like (as long as they accept the Common App). </p>
<p>RECS: Again, with the Common App, the teacher writes one recommendation, then copies it and sends it to all the colleges. (Unless he/she wants to customize the letter for each college. Then it's up to the teacher. Don't ask him/her to write a unique letter for each of 6 schools, though!!!) Different applications might ask for different things, though. The rec will normally consist of two things: the letter, and a sheet that has your name and info, the teacher's info, and usually some statements and boxes the teacher checks off to "rate" you. The letter can often be the same even if you're using the college's own unique application, but each different application has a slightly different info sheet thing. Of course, if it's the Common App, the teacher just makes as many copies as necessary and sends them off.</p>
<p>And you supply the addressed envelopes and stamps, unless your school has some other policy about letters of rec.</p>
<p>MAKE SURE YOU ANSWER THE ESSAY PROMPT. You would not believe how many essays I've proofed that the student didn't respond to the prompt. You will most likely write several essays. You can often reuse these for scholarships too. </p>
<p>Also, I would sugggest that during the summer before senior year, you put together a life resume. Not so much about work, but about your first 3 years of high school. List, by year, which sports, clubs,honors, ECs etc you did under various sections. Believe me, you will be SO HAPPY you did this early on. I guarantee you will use this for applications, scholarship and will hand it out to your teachers/counselors to help them write your letters. HS kids often have a difficult time talking about themselves, this is not the time to be modest. List volunteer work and jobs too.</p>
<p>thank you guys so much!!!!!!!!!!!</p>