<p>Hi everyone! Skim readers will be fine if they skip to the last paragraph, but I typed a few extra paragraphs for those who appreciate context. :)</p>
<p>So I'm almost done with my Common App, and I'm ready to start assigning teachers to write me letters of recommendation. I've already spoken with my chosen teachers and they're happy to write me letters, though one of them wants to know if he can adapt his letter for specific school.</p>
<p>For example, I'm assigning him to write my rec letter for a state school whose scholarship deadline is November 1. If I later assign him to write a letter for an Ivy League school, will he be able to generally update his letter if he thought of ways to improve upon it?</p>
<p>In general, do teachers have the opportunity to change their recommendation letter for every specific school, or will the Common App send their original letter to every college I assign that teacher to?</p>
<p>Thank you gibby. That answers my questions about the online forms, but I still see some ambiguity relating to the mailing in of letters. Let’s say one of my teachers don’t do her best writing this November 1 letter. Later, could she update her letter for Princeton and send it through the post along with ALL the other teachers recommending me? That way, the application would not be “mixed-and-matched” for that specific university. :)</p>
<p>^^ If your teacher didn’t do their “best job” on the first go-around when they submitted your recommendation electronically, I really don’t think Princeton will be impressed with their 2nd letter sent by US Mail, as your teacher might come across as: (a) not a reliable recommendation writer – especially if they are an English teacher, and (b) not someone who can follow directions. Neither of those would bode well for you in the applications process. It’s always best for you, and your teachers, to follow directions.</p>
<p>That makes sense, though I meant to specify that I would not have submitted rec letters to Princeton virtually in that example. Regardless, I agree with you that it’s best to ensure that the letter is its best first time around. I selected teachers whom I have excellent relationships with and whom I trust will write a solid letter their first go-round; further, they have plenty of time since we’re on fall break now and shall have an extra week for further conferencing after our return.</p>
<p>@gibby, I thought you’d like to know that, after following your advice, I was accepted to Princeton University. Thank you. I think I will matriculate there.</p>
<p>Maybe you care, maybe you don’t, but I know that many of us on CC–myself among them–like the stories we read on these forums to have ending. Now you and future readers know mine.</p>