<p>So i have four outstanding recs from 2 teachers, a counsler, and an outside person. All know me very well and all well written.</p>
<p>What do I do? Send all 4? just two teachers? teacher and counsler? outside + teacher? Or what lol?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Each college usually lets you know what they want. But, if not, I'd recommend that you send:</p>
<p>....one written by a science or math teacher
....one written by a humanities or english teacher</p>
<p>and only if you are applying with the idea of sports or arts at college</p>
<p>....one from either a coach or arts (music, visual) teacher</p>
<p>Otherwise keep it down to 3 maximum of the very best. That means besides the top two (math and english) then you submit one more from someone that:
....you worked for
....you volunteered for
....a school adviser (only if it is well written and specific to you...to many are general)</p>
<p>but forget submitting ones from family friends, peers (your friends)...people you know on a personal basis.</p>
<p>The problem, as you may know, is that usually the student doesn't get to see the letter of recommendation (that's the way it should be), so you have to think about who has done the best job of being specific about you in the letter.</p>
<p>schools really dffer on this. My son has 7-8. We homeschool, so they are all people who know something different about him.</p>
<p>We have emailed some of his schools to ask, and are getting varying answers. MIT - bring them on, Caltech - no more than 4, U of Chicago - no more than 3. Yesterday we went to a thing at harvey Mudd. They once said they got 25 from one kid, including his 5th grade soccer coach who wasnt quite what he was supposed to write or why. Clearly 8 relevant ones would be fine.</p>
<p>BTW, most schools want 2 + counselor, and wouldn't mind a supplemental, so I think you are fine.</p>
<p>Eight? No way. Sorry, only if the college admission people are out of their minds. The best ones I've seen are 2 teachers, 1 school adviser, and one other from clergy/work/volunteer. And.....that's only if they know you well. Adult friends rarely count....peer friends sometimes. Plus, they have to well written and teachers from two different areas (sciences/humanties)</p>
<p>As long as they are all different then it is fine. Also, since we homeschool, they actually like to see a few more. Anyway, as I said, it depends on the school. As I said, some have no problem with it. Others have a limit. </p>
<p>They do not want 8 teachers. The types of recs I am talking about are employers, research mentors, math team (non school based) coach, math club coordinator (non school based) where my son taught. Also an alum of two of the schools my son is applying and knows his special skills well. Someone from the math camp my son attended for 3 years.</p>