<p>I checked the box on all my teachers' recommendations that gave me the ability to read what the teachers wrote. At the time, I thought it only made sense; and I was also planning on mailing all my application data myself, so I thought it would be best to send the teachers' recommendations with everything else.</p>
<p>But after reading CC recently, I've noticed some people specifying that all of their teacher recs were sent with the waiver signed that allowed them to not read what their teachers wrote, as if there's a stigma associated with recs that do not have that box checked.</p>
<p>Do admissions officers really care if that box is checked? I only went to two teachers for recommendations (both of which with the box checked allowing me to see what they wrote) and sent both to all my colleges.</p>
<p>It's just bogus, it won't impact your chances in any way. It's just for legal issues regarding viewing your rec after you enroll.</p>
<p>It would be stupid to use it to check the validity of the rec. Just like adding after the "did you ever go to jail" question a "did you lie on the previous question ?"</p>
<p>My school is a different kind of case - our college counselors put everything together - school report, transcript, recommendations, etc. - and we don't get to see those things. I know our recs are stuffed in sealed envelopes with the teacher's signature written over the seal on the back. This is out of respect for the teachers, mostly. So it makes sense for us to give up our rights to view the recs - we didn't see them beforehand, and we in all likelihood won't see them after we graduate (most colleges destroy the recs anyway, and besides, even if they kept them, why does it matter to see what they said? You obviously got in).</p>
<p>Lots of schools handle recs differently, though, and for the way you sent out your materials, I think it is perfectly fine and logical to leave the box unchecked. All said, I don't have an expertise in this area, but that's just my gut instinct.</p>
<p>When you check that box, you only waive your right to see the rec after you enroll at that institution. You could still look at the rec before sending it off (and cherry-pick the recs) and it would not be a violation of the statement you signed.</p>