<p>So... my counselor didn't send my transcript yet, and my winter break started. I called her office, but she left early today and won't be back until January 5. What happens if the common app schools don't receive my transcript by January 1? Should I call the schools and let them know?</p>
<p>You can call if you want; it certainly won't hurt you. But in most cases it won't hurt you if the transcript doesn't arrive by the application deadline. What will happen is, if the school forms still aren't there within a week or two after the deadline, the college will contact you and tell you that your application is missing x/y/z forms.</p>
<p>Just get your own parts (Common App and supplements) in by the deadline, and get on the counselor as soon as she gets back. She may be able to fax the transcript right away and then follow up with a copy by mail; that's what a college did for geek_son when his transcript for a summer class didn't make it in on time.</p>