<p>Is it okay for teachers to mail in your recommendations WAY before you know you will send in your actual application? Will they file it without the basic application forms first received?</p>
<p>Yes, admissions offices will open a file for you. Just be sure that you write your name, school, home address on the return part of the envelope and below that write " teacher recommendation letter" [ be sure to give your teachers pre stamped , pre addressed 8x12 manilla envelopes so the letters don't have to be folded to fit in]. It will be your responsibility to follow up and make sure the colleges have all the materials they need to consider your application, so start checking with the admissions offices around 2 weeks after a document or letter or transcript has been mailed to be sure they have received it and have it in your file. Don't wait until mid Dec. and then find out something is missing .</p>
<p>You can also put a stamped, self-addressed postcard into the envelope you give your teacher. It should say something like: "Received: Teacher recommendation from Mr. Smith. XYZ College." The school date-stamps it and drops it in the mail. You then have proof that it was sent, so even if it's misplaced you won't get penalized down the road. (D did this in every envelope she gave to be mailed, and everything we mailed ourselves, like the Financial Aid apps; only 2 were not returned.)</p>