I am really excited to apply to Dartmouth this year. Three people have told me that are willing to write my peer letter of recommendation. One, my sister, could talk about how I help her stay on top of her schoolwork (and tutor her) and speak to my role as a member of the family and our school. The second, a teammate, could talk about my positive impact on my sports team and how dedicated I am to the team. The third, a classmate, could speak to me being a good student and helping others, but could not write something as deep or meaningful as the first two. Does Dartmouth prefer the recommendation to be from someone who knows you in an academic context? Would they question the impartiality of a sibling?
I know that their website says that all of these options are allowed, just curious about the optics of various choices. Thanks for any advice.
I think the one that speaks to the reader is going to be the best option, but how does one really ever know? Would it be too much to have them write it and show it to you before deciding which to submit? I think if it was me, I’d ask each one to be honest and when finished allow you to read it before deciding. Maybe have a couple of trusted people take a look at them as well and then choose the one that presents the most refreshing, interesting, perspective be the one you have submitted as the peer rec. I wish you the best.
Thanks! I think my sibling will write the best one, but probably only marginally. I’m just wondering if they prefer to see recs from people who aren’t in your family.