<p>So, in this page that I found on Exeter's website, it explained what to do if teachers didn't want to fill out recommendations for you. It said that if an EC rec doesn't want to fill one out, then you should ask another EC.</p>
<p>The problem is, I don't have another EC. (My parents have jobs that require lots of weekend work.)</p>
<p>I don't think my band teacher likes teaching in middle school. He was transferred by the county from high school, and he seems to very much dislike it, especially the younger kids. I had been trying to contact my old band teacher to do the recs, which is why I hadn't given the forms to anyone yet. (My old band teacher didn't contact me back.)</p>
<p>My band teacher never actually refused to write me a rec, but I just don't want him to fill these out. He's the sort of person that critisizes everyone but expects everyone to just love him back.</p>
<p>So, my question is, is it okay if I don't turn in an EC rec form? If yes, should I write a letter explaining? Or is it better to turn in a mediocre rec form than no rec form at all?</p>
<p>An EC rec is required for Exeter. Maybe you should contact admissions, explain your situation, and ask for advice.</p>
<p>Wasn’t this due a couple days ago?</p>
<p>Someone told me that recs can be turned in late…</p>
<p>Not too late. And better tell them it’s coming or they’ll assume you’re incomplete and not finishing.</p>
<p>If you only have one EC then, unfortunately, it’s time to suck up and make him feel like a Prince for doing you this favor.</p>
<p>But often students miss other EC’s - work at church, scouting, volunteer work, a summer job, etc. How about a non core teacher? Did you debate? Participate in a language club, etc.? Play music for anyone else? Take private lessons? How about participate in any kind of competition. Was there an adult whose worked with you on those things? Sports? </p>
<p>The school is trying to find out something about you beyond your core academics. That’s why the EC is important.</p>
<p>Great advice Exie.</p>
<p>I’m a little concerned though, that future applicants, reading threads like these are going to think that it’s fine to do the recommendation piece of the application last and at the last minute.</p>
<p>As a person who writes recs. frequently, and way too often at the last minute, I just want to advise all future candidate to get those rec forms out weeks, even months before they are due (my son asked his teachers mid-October). It shows teachers that you’re organized, considerate of their time, and dedicated to the process. All of this will reflect positively in the actual recommendation. If you want a rushed, check off the boxes, scribble a few notes and stuff it in an envelope recommendation, wait until the last minute.</p>
<p>Not only should applicants give them out a month before (right before winter break), they should ask for them to be mailed by the 10th, just to give them a little leeway.</p>
<p>Of course, if you don’t know you’re applying until a week before the deadline, that’s kind of hard to do :)</p>
<p>In general, don’t assume that crusty old teachers will write a bad recommendation.</p>
<p>Yep - I agree. I’ve seen well thought out letters, and I’ve seen rushed “check the box” and scribble a few lines recommendations. Students often forget that teachers have lives and responsibilities and good recommendations take time to complete.</p>
<p>This is good practice for college apps. You’d be surprised what students think is unimportant might have made all the difference in the final decision.</p>
<p>Just makes me glad we are done. Actually - we’re not. We’re not doing school year abroad apps and I’m having post traumatic stress syndrome all over again. lol!</p>