<p>Are letter of recs strictly have to be your high school teacher or counselor? I know a college professor at UC Davis that I've known for my entire high school life. It is allowed to get a letter of rec from him and will it help my chances at competitive universities?
Thanks</p>
<p>Most colleges would welcome a “third” letter of recommendation from someone who knows you well as a teacher or coach. Examples would include a “music” teacher with whom you’ve studied for several years, or an “art” teacher who’s worked with you as you developed your oil painting style, a “crew” coach, etc. Does the college professor know you in one of those capacities? Has he ever been your teacher? If so, then a recommendation makes sense. But if not (as for example he knows you as a family friend etc.) then it’s unclear why he would be a suitable reference.</p>
<p>Emphasis on this:
** But if not (as for example he knows you as a family friend etc.) then it’s unclear why he would be a suitable reference. **</p>
<p>Unless you’ve worked directly beneath him, his rec would be worthless. It’s about the rec’s content about YOU and nothing about the rec writer.</p>