So today I’ve added my favorite math and English teachers to the common app as my teacher recommenders. I was planning to also ask my art teacher to write one for me, however I looked at the description of the “other” category for recommenders, and it said something about art teachers being in the “other” category. Am I allowed to list my art teacher as a teacher recommender, or does it have to be an “other?”
Teacher recommendations are generally from teachers of core subjects such as Math, Science, History, Humanities…
Art teacher would fall under the other recommendation.
It’s *usually *from major subjects’ teachers. This is a list from MIT and it lists the teachers whom you can choose:
I would just call/email the college you’re applying to and ask whether an art teacher’s recommendation is acceptable, especially if you have had him/her for >3 years.
If you ask your art teacher as a third/extra recommendation it is fine especially if he/she can add something that would not be covered by your academic teachers. The art teacher should not replace an recommendation from an academic teacher.
Check the school requirement. Some school only want teachers from the 4 cores, some from 5 cores (including world language). There are also schools that are more stringent and only want junior/senior teachers. There is no general rule.
This may be moot. VERY few colleges even ask for ONE let alone TWO or allow TWO plus one supplemental rec letter. You might want to check the requirements of your target schools.