<p>On the Duke website it says that they require 2 recommendations from teachers that you've had for academic courses in the 11th and 12th grade years (which doesn't make much sense to me as the teacher's I have this year have only known me for a couple of weeks...). Does a science research class count as an academic course? I was really hoping I could get a recommendation from this teacher as I've had her for 4 years, but the only academic course I had with her was biology in 9th grade. I was planning on having her submit a rec, one of my history teachers submit a rec, and then the optional personal rec was going to be from my research mentor.
Anyone know?</p>
<p>I would check with your counselor, though it makes sense that Duke would want to hear from teachers who know you best and have had you as a student most recently. So much can happen between spophmore and your junior and senior years. It is a tough time for most kids socially, academically etc. and they likely want to know how you adjusted. I have heard that Duke would even read a parents letter describing their child and their desire to attend. They really want to get to know the students they offer a space. I was surprised to hear that even a well written parents letter could be a factor, but this came from admissions. Overall you need to find someone that is going to realle able to give a school an idea of who you are and can speak to your academics and fit.</p>
<p>thanks! I'll check with my counselor this week...I'm hoping they'll accept research as an academic course though, because that teacher truly knows me best - like I said I've had her for all 4 years of high school and she knows me as well as my mom does, so her rec would really help!</p>