For once and for all...recommendations?!

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
1

<p>I've seen this question answered in bits and pieces around the forum, but there seem to be conflicting opinions, so I'd like to clarify. </p>

<p>USC asks on the website for "one counselor/teacher recommendation" or something like that. Then I heard it suggested somewhere else that you're supposed to have two in total, and that you don't have to have any counselor recs. Are the following combinations acceptable? Which seems best?</p>

<p>1 Counselor + 1 Teacher
2 Teachers
1 Counselor + 2 Teachers</p>

<p>I'm sorry if this is a really stupid question, but I am SO confused. xD</p>

2

<p>Last year I sent 1 counselor and 2 teachers. I’m a trustee scholar recipient. As long as it isn’t a ridiculous ammount, use your own discretion. Don’t just get another teacher to have more than 1. It’s quality not quantity.</p>

3

<p>I went to a Meet USC day and the admissions counselor there said that you need only one from a teacher/coach/other academic figure.</p>

4

<p>Some people send 7 or 8!!! Do not make the admissions people read that many. When my son applied, he sent three: one addressed his community service/volunteer activities, one was from a teacher discussing his academics, and one from from the guidance counselor giving some pertinent background info.</p>

5

<p>Last year, I sent 3, all my senior year teachers.</p>

6

<p>I sent 8. When they have heard enough about you, they stop reading.</p>

<p>(and I’m writing this from my USC dorm room so it obviously didn’t hurt to send more =])</p>

7

<p>The answer is: Who knows you the best between teachers and counselor? My daughter also submitted a rec from her agent (theatrical). If you know (really know) an alum of SC who is active at the university that is an avenue to explore.</p>

8

<p>I think it’s OK to send as many as you think will support your application within reason. This means that a senator who knows your grandfather but not you is probably not going to be helpful, but that including something from the person who supervised your research last summer, or your voice teacher who thinks you have more potential than anyone she’s ever worked with or the coach who saw you come back from an injury and can vouch for your character and determination, might add something very useful. My kid, who is now at USC, had one from his GC, two from academic teachers, and two related specifically to his major which has a separate admissions process.</p>

9

<p>All right, guys, thank you so much! I may just end up doing counselor and two teachers, since I honestly feel that they all have something different and valuable to say.</p>