<p>“The application process for Fall 2010 doesn’t start until February 2010”
HUH?? If he is applying to colleges then his applications have to be FINISHED and submitted, in most cases by Jan 1, NOT STARTED in Feb of 2010. He needs to ask for his teacher recommendations before his 1st semester grades are out. His HS can send his 1st semester grades at the end of the semester, but waiting until then to ask for teacher recommendations and submitting his applications is asking for trouble.</p>