<p>this is probably such a newbie question, but when applying to multiple schools as I assume most do, are Math/English teachers expected to fill out evaluations for each school? Or is it acceptable to have them make copies?</p>
<p>In the past we have submitted individual forms for each school and will probably do the same for 7D2…but then again, our kids have applied/will be applying to only a few schools each, so it doesn’t seem like that much of a hardship.</p>
<p>If child is applying to more than a few, I’d think using a common app form would be nice (check to see that schools accept common app - Gateway, SSAT, TABS, etc. form). There’s something a bit odd, IMO, about sending one school’s form to another school…even if you have disclosed that you are applying to multiple schools. Like bringing a date to a party hosted by someone you know is interested in you.</p>
<p>The common app online is great because the recommenders can just log in and submit one rec via the app website – then it gets attached to all of the apps, no matter how many schools you apply to. You can also check to see whether it was completed – which is helpful in case you have to remind a teacher to get it done, please! IMO, much better than having to trust it won’t get lost in the snail mail.</p>
<p>@SevenDad yes, that’s exactly what I was worried about–having the wrong school name on the evaluation form. I’m sure they see it a lot but it seems like a automatic “frown point” to me. We’re leaning toward 3 school application.</p>
<p>They say they don’t care…but I certainly would. I would think “Oh, so they can’t even be bothered to use OUR form…”</p>
<p>Here’s some language from the Emma Willard site that, IMO, says “use our form”:</p>
<p>“While the Emma Willard School application is preferred, we also accept applications filled out through the TABS, SSAT, or Gateway.”</p>
<p>The TABS form is a good generic form to use for schools that don’t accept the common app. The only forms that we found differed significantly from the TAB form where the extra rec (from a coach or someone else who knew the student well). The TAB form for math and English was identical to every school’s. </p>
<p>But if I saw language like the Emma language described above, I’d have apologetically asked the teacher to fill out two forms.</p>
<p>We just printed out the TABS recommendation forms, and only used those forms, for all schools. Each recommender filled out ONE form, made copies, and put the copies in the pre-addressed/stamped envelopes that we supplied for each school. </p>
<p>Note: ask the recommenders to KEEP A COPY of their recommendation. That way, if you add a school later on, they don’t have to re-write their recommendation.</p>
<p>and just FYI - DS was accepted at all 4 schools where he applied (Deerfield, Loomis, Ridley and Thacher). I don’t think it’s a deal-breaker to use a “common app” recommendation form; it’s the CONTENT of the form that matters!</p>
<p>@mountainhiker: I don’t think it’s a deal-breaker either. That said, we still plan to use school-specific forms…</p>
<p>I don’t think the TABS form vs. the regular school form makes a difference; and schools will say it doesn’t matter, but I just wouldn’t sent the Andover English rec. form to Exeter. To me, on a purely subconscious level it says, “You’re not my first choice.”</p>
<p>If the school mentioned a preference, we went with their preference. If they state it doesn’t matter, it really doesn’t matter. Use whichever form(s) provide the most ease for all involved. </p>
<p>Oftentimes we found the individual school applications provided a better opportunity than the common applications to submit the best possible answers and strongest essays. But not always. Fill out the ones which allow you to shine the brightest.</p>
<p>Recommendations, on the other hand, did not change much from school to school. Go for ease of submission and follow-up.</p>