I was counting on my my guidance counselor to write a great LOR for me because we have a very good relationship. However, she transferred to another school system this year, and I’m curious if I can still use her recommendation. So will the mandatory counselor recommendation that some schools have be covered by my former counselor? I’m asking because I won’t have enough time to get to know the new one well enough to where she could write an LOR for me.
Are you a rising senior? If so, I’m sure this is absolutely fine, and I would ask her. If you’re a rising junior, however, it’s time to let your new counselor get to know you better!
I’m a rising senior, and thanks for answering my question.
I am not sure they can. Especially if it is expected to come from the school directly. What I have seen in these cases is the old gc will write a review for you that can be used as a template or quoted by the new gc. I would have an immediate sit down and ask their opinion. There are professional courtesy and rules at play here as well.
Your HS will determine who writes the LOR. You do not get to decide who writes it.
I would make an appointment to meet with the new guidance counselor at the very start of the school year. Discuss colleges you plan to apply to and ask if he/she will be writing the recommendation. If the new guidance counselor will be writing it, ask if there is anything you can provide (ex. resume, brag sheet etc.) that could help and discuss anything you feel he/she should know. As noted above, it is likely that your old guidance counselor has left notes in your file if he/she didn’t write the recommendation.
This is not all that unusual of a situation and it will be fine.
Talk to both GCs. My D had the same issue – her old GC left to go to another school, but had offered to write my D’s counselor as she knew her very well. The old GC sent her letter to the new GC, who, in turn, submitted that rec, the school profile, and D’s transcripts. The contact number for the GC that we gave was for that of the new counselor who answered questions, nominated D for scholarships, etc., etc.
Ask the new GC if they would mind getting input from the old GC…I am sure they would because it would make their life easier.
The new GC can use the prior GC’s recommendation as a starting point when adding updated info.