Choosing Rec Letters

Transfer Students
1

<p>I am applying to a school where only one rec letter is needed. Both of my recommenders have shown me their recs; they are very different. One of them is very good subjectively (good letter of rec, etc.), but terrible objectively (he checked "average" on almost all the little checkboxes). </p>

<p>On the other hand, my other rec is excellent objectively (All "top 5%" and "most outstanding,") but terrible subjectively (very generic letter of rec; only three paras long.)</p>

<p>Which one should I choose? Do the checkboxes matter more, or the letter of rec?</p>

2

<p>On a similar note, is it bad to send in two rec's when only one is required?</p>

3

<p>Tough call, but I would go with the top 5% rec. I think that being checked "average" if you are aiming for a very selective school could be the kiss of death.</p>

<p>Just my opinion. No inside info.</p>

<p>To celticsfan, No I don't think it's bad to send two if only one is required. UNLESS it is to one of those schools which strongly discourages supplemental materials.</p>

4

<p>I'd go with the top 5% one as well. A long line of "average" check marks, even with a great letter, is going to be a killer.</p>

5

<p>hmmm. would anyone happen to know if columbia is one of those schools that "strongly discourages"? :-&lt;/p>

6

<p>they are haha but there was a thread and a few columbians actually stretched the guidelines (recs., essay length, including resume) so hey its not the end of the world</p>

7

<p>thanks for your help guys. i'll go with the generic recommender</p>