Signed, Sealed Envelope?

Recently a reader asked me whether it's an imposition to ask faculty to not only write letters of recommendation but to return them to the student, each in a separate signed and sealed envelope. Is it too much to ask? Is organizing all that paperwork unreasonable?

My answer? That's the standard - programs either require that faculty submit letters independently or give them to students in signed, sealed envelopes. Most programs prefer the latter so that the application is intact as it comes in. Faculty know this, so don't feel that you're asking faculty to do too much work - it's a standard part of the application process and faculty know what they're getting into. That said, you can make it easier for faculty by preparing an envelope for each program. Clip the recommendation form and any relevant material to the envelope and faculty can fill out the form and insert it and their letter in the envelope -- it' still a drag but at least a little easier. Your referees will appreciate it.