<p>Hi, I'm going to be a senior next year, so I'm thinking about college apps. One of the strongest parts about my app was supposed to be the recommendation letters (I'm very close to two teachers and my counselor, and they all know about my leadership and strengths and would write stellar letters). I have worked with my counselor on several side projects and she's been my mentor in research. We have a very close bond and she would write me an amazing letter!</p>
<p>Unfortunately, she's leaving our school for a better job next year. We're going to have brand new counselors (I don't know who they'll be just yet). I was wondering what I should do in this situation? Would I be forced to ask my new counselor (let's say he/she and I are not close at all) for a letter of rec? Would it be possible to ask my old counselor to write a letter for me? I'm extremely saddened that one of the strongest points of my application is no longer going to be there to help me.</p>
<p>I don't mean to come off as selfish or anything, but this is a pretty big concern, and I'm not sure what I should do? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!</p>
<p>@T26E4
I could be wrong, but from the list of factors colleges considered our counselor showed me in seminar, guidance counselor recommendations rate higher than teacher recommendation. Of course this same list put extracurriculars as the least important factor so maybe it’s wrong especially as my counselor is very inexperienced. </p>
<p>A guidance counselor recommendation can rate higher than teacher recommendation if and when possible. But colleges are fully cognizant that many great applicants are in circumstances that preclude a close or informed relationship with GCs. There’s no hierarchy here.</p>
<p>Some of this depends on the usual process at your hs. Some GCs get input from teachers then summarize (and quote) from that; some construct their own, from their knowledge of you. Ask your current GC if she would be willing to write for you this fall. It would either be an additional rec or sometimes the new GC will summarize a bit then defer to the one who knows you better. It happens.<br>
No matter how anyone rates GC vs teacher letters, it IS an important piece. Teachers will comment on classwork, classroom attributes, etc. The GC is often the one who describes you as an individual, notes any unique points to the adcoms, plus may comment on you in the overall school setting. And you are close to this one. See what she says. </p>