Sending Letters of Recommendation

This whole college application process is a little stressful, and I'm confused about letters of recommendation. How do I send them to the colleges I'm applying to? Do my teachers submit them directly, or do I need to add them to my application? Any help is appreciated.

I understand that the college application process can be overwhelming, but I'm here to help clarify the process of sending letters of recommendation.

Your letters of recommendation are typically submitted directly by your recommenders, not by you. Recommenders will either upload them through the Common Application, Coalition Application, or the individual college's application portal, depending on how the college accepts applications. You should not personally see or handle your letters of recommendation, as colleges prefer them to be confidential.

Here are the general steps to follow:

1. Ask your teachers (or other recommenders) if they are willing to write a letter of recommendation for you. Give them at least a month's notice before the deadline to ensure they have time to write a strong letter.

2. Provide your recommender with any relevant information they might need, such as your resume, academic highlights, or significant extracurricular activities. You can also discuss with them any specific topics or anecdotes you'd like them to mention in their letter.

3. When you complete your application, you will have the option to invite recommenders. Input their email addresses, and they will receive an email to create an account on the application platform you are applying through (Common App, Coalition App, etc.) or on the college's portal directly.

4. Your recommenders will then upload their letters directly to the platform, which will be automatically added to your application.

5. It is a good idea to gently remind your recommenders about the deadlines a couple of weeks before they're due. Make sure to thank them afterwards and keep them updated on your application results.

Remember, each college might have different requirements for letters of recommendation, so always double-check their specific guidelines on their website or application portal.

Good luck with your applications!