Mailing Applications

[JC878]

This is going to be a super ridiculous question but here goes...

I need to mail some parts of my app to the App Agency, my references need to mail their letters as well. What size envelope should I use/provide references with? Should I use the larger yellow/brown one that doesn't fold the paper (Catalog) or the typical fold-paper-in-three envelope (Commercial)? There will only be ~2 pieces of paper in the envelope.

Thanks guys!

[ColorlessGreen]

I'd say ask your reference-writers. I provided one of mine with envelopes and he told me not to bother; he intended to use departmental envelopes. For the record, I think the department uses commercial-sized envelopes.

[a fragrant plant]

Yes, most professors will just use departmental envelopes. Are your recommenders going to post the letters to you or directly to the departments/schools? As a general rule, schools/departments prefer applicants to post all application materials in one envelope unless the applicant's referee refuse to send the LOR to applicant. I'd say check with your recommenders.

[modernity]

I sent all my information to my recs (descriptions of the schools, waiver letters, etc.) in the large brown/yellow envelopes, just because it was more professional. I included commercial sized pre-addressed/stamped envelopes to the schools in case they wanted them. This was more of a courtesy though, as people have already mentioned most professors will use their own letterhead/envelopes/university mail system.

[JC878]

Thanks guys, I forgot about department/institution envelopes. I'll just send an email asking. Should I not provide them with stamps then?

[modernity]

Thanks guys, I forgot about department/institution envelopes. I'll just send an email asking. Should I not provide them with stamps then?

If you have them readily available, I would. I feel like its a way of saying that you already know they're doing a lot for you by taking time out of their busy schedule to write, and you're offering one less thing for them to worry about. One of my writers used them, the other did not and returned them to me. Its up to you though!