<p>So I had my English teacher write me a rec letter and he gave me a copy today. I am a little worried because he already mailed it in to MIT and it is fairly short and doesn't contain any "anecdotal or story-like" anything (I had read on MIT's website that that is what makes for the best letters). He makes reference to me being one of his favorite students in his whole career and how hardworking and intelligent I am and that he really respects my personality. He doesn't say anything about what my personality is like other than that I am good at overcoming obstacle and am really passionate about learning. The example letters I saw on MIT's website were several paragraphs long and contained a whole lot more information. I was really counting on my English teacher to reveal a lot about my personality and things of that nature from a teacher's perspective....my math teacher who is writing the other rec is a man of few words and mostly focuses on the educational/learning ability/styles of students. </p>
<p>I don't want to insult my teacher and ask him to write another letter, and I don't even think that that is appropriate...But I do want to know if such a letter is uncommon and if it will have a negative impact on my application?...obviously if it is perceived as vague it won't really help, which is a shame because I know that I really got to know him better than that.</p>
<p>There isn’t a lot you can do about such a letter. Going back to the teacher who has described you as one of his favourite ever students to complain about the LoR seems fraught with risk, and indeed seems ungrateful.</p>
<p>One possibility if there are attributes of your character, that would not show up in either of your existing LoRs, is to solicit an additional supplementary LoR from someone who knows you in a different way, say an employer, a band leader, or other person who can write a supplemental LoR that gives MIT a perspective that they cannot get from your existing LoRs. If there isn’t someone who can provide a perspective substantially different than your existing LoRs, then do not bother.</p>
<p>I have to do something because otherwise the letters are just going to hurt my application and I have worked too hard for that to be a detriment. I’m not all that familiar with most of my other teachers and I don’t have a job or anything like that. I think I’m going to talk to him, I am pretty close to him and I don’t think he’d be offended. I’m really not feeling good about this letter business.</p>
There are a couple things I’m concerned with you.</p>
<h1>1. You really can’t do anything because he already sent it.</h1>
<h1>2. You really shouldn’t do anything because it will make him think you don’t trust his judgment (and thus he will not trust you).</h1>
<h1>3. Did you waive your FERPA rights on your evaluation form because if you didn’t, then you will have some serious problems. I ask this because you were shown the letter and usually you are not suppose to see the letter at all.</h1>
<p>thanks everyone for the input. If it were any other teacher, I would definitely just drop it, but I do feel that this one will be very understanding and want to help me as much as possible. I’m just going to bring it up very nicely, and probably show him the MIT webpage and be like “your letter was so nice and everything but I think they want a little more elaboration, perhaps an example or two.” If he agrees that that is what they are looking for and that his letter could maybe include a little more, then I will send it with a supplemental doc attachment. If he thinks his letter will be fine as it is, I WILL trust his judgment, I just think that we were both unaware of what MIT was trying to get out of these letters…most kids from my school don’t apply to anything that is remotely competitive to get into so his letters are usually spot on for most institutions. </p>
<p>Thanks everyone, but I think I know what I am going to do now, even if it is a little unorthodox.</p>
<p>I would think it would look very strange to MIT if they received a second, new-and-improved letter from the same prof…unless he gets in touch with them before the materials are reviewed as asks them to toss out the first before it is read. But that will still look odd and difficult to explain.</p>
<p>I agree, but I’d rather that happen then his whole letter be disregarded and even be considered hurtful to my app. I will mention to him to contact the office and explain, if he agrees that his letter could be better, not that I would say that to him in those words… I know that this isn’t the ideal situation, but I am in a really tough place…the letters count for a big part of the application process and I have worked really hard for a long time for the chance to go to MIT and I’d hate to have that ruined because of a misunderstanding regarding the expected contents of a letter that I didn’t even have any control in writing… It would be different if I wrote an essay that was missing the point of what the admissions people were trying to ask for.</p>
<p>I personally believe it would be a definite mistake for you to pursue this teacher and ask for another recommendation. It is unfortunate to a degree that you were able to read it. However, everything the teacher wrote was positive. MIT received (and accepts) many students with similar recommendations. You’ll be fine as is and if you just leave it as is, then there are no awkward situations. If MIT has any questions, undoubtedly they will follow up. If the remainder of your application is outstanding, you have no worries. If it isn’t, then that is your worry, not the very good recommendation. Spend your time on your essays and don’t bother your teacher for another recommendation.</p>
<p>His credibility may also be damaged if he (or you) ask to have the first letter disregarded in favor for the second. They may wonder why he couldn’t write what he meant the first time, and wonder if they should consider his letter at all? </p>
<p>You have no control over what your professors write about you. Perhaps there’s a reason his letter wasn’t as good as you would like…maybe you think you’re better than he thinks you are? And I am NOT trying to say that you aren’t a good applicant, but I really do think you will create a worse image for yourself by talking to your prof and removing the first letter than if you just let it go and accept whatever fate may come.</p>