Teacher Recommendations Dilemma

Applying to College Common and Coalition Application
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<p>I need some help. I live in Sweden and I'm planning on enrolling to universities in the US and so I'm in the mist of the application process... But I really don't know how to tackle the Teacher Recommendations... </p>

<p>I have heard different versions of how teachers can submit their evaluations/recommendations. I downloaded the evaluation form on Common App for them to fill in, but i don't know if it is necessary for them to do? I have heard that teachers can do it automatically online and so forth, and some that do it manually through mail depending on what college you are applying to. </p>

<p>Since my teacher's have NO past experience with a prospect undergraduate student in the US and with this process, I would like to find the EASIEST way possible for them do to their recommendations. One alternative that I've heard is that the teacher can send you their recommendation to the student's e-mail as an attachment and that the student can through Common App, upload the file themselves. But isn't it against the law to look at their recommendations? </p>

<p>Lastly, do you have to give them a list of the college you are going to apply to? Because I am yet uncertain about my list. How should I go about with this? </p>

<p>I am confused. Please help! Asap :) THANK YOU</p>

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<p>I don’t think you can do that because it would require you to log onto the Common App system as your teacher, which you can’t unless the teacher gives you his/her password or something. It is not against the law to look at recommendations, but you’re asked whether you want to waive your right to look at them, and it’s simply polite to do so in order to give your teacher the opportunity to write more freely and candidly.</p>

<p>The easiest way for teachers to submit the rec is probably online. See the “general question” section of this page for instructions:
<a href=“https://www.commonapp.org/commonapp/SchoolFormsFAQ.aspx[/url]”>https://www.commonapp.org/commonapp/SchoolFormsFAQ.aspx&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>You should definitely waive your right to look at the teacher’s recommendations. It’s not only polite, it’s prudent. A recommendation that is not confidential and frank is not very compelling.</p>

<p>According to the link from xrCalico23 above, it looks as if your teachers can set up their own institutional accounts and upload their letters directly to the Common App site.</p>

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<p>Thank you, xrCalico23, for making the matter clear to me. Thanks, NJSue, for you input! I agree with you both about the waiver.</p>