<p>In addition to the counselor's recommendation, do most people submit just one teacher recommendation? My son has had a job for several years and would probably get a nice recommendation about his integrity, work ethic, etc. from his supervisor. Is that something W&M would value, or would a second teacher recommendation be preferable? Thanks.</p>
<p>You should have at least one recommendation from a teacher who has observed the child’s in-class discussion contributions, graded his tests and assignments, etc., over at least a full semester. A guidance counselor probably doesn’t see any student for 15 minutes per week average, and must rely on other’s reports for the child’s academic ability.</p>
<p>Once you have the academic recommendation covered, a supervisor/manager recommendation could give very useful insight into character and personality. It would have to be more insightful than the generic, “he’s honest and a good reliable worker,” though. If, for example, there is a work-based anecdote the supervisor could relate about your son that reveals some unusual/unexpected (and good!) character trait, that would certainly be worth submitting.</p>
<p>For W&M, recommendations beyond the one coming from your counselor are optional. If you choose to send optional letters, we ask that one be from a teacher of an academic subject. We ask that you send no more than 3 total letters. If you’d like to send a letter from an employer, mentor, extra-curricular sponsor, etc. that’s just fine.</p>