Hi all,
My junior year math teacher last year took a leave of absence because her mom passed away and my science teacher only wrote generic recommendations, so the result is I got my math/science recommendation from a senior year teacher. He teaches me in BC calc and chemistry. I’m wondering if I should explain this situation in the extra information section of the common application, so admissions officers aren’t wondering why I didn’t get a recommendation from a junior year teacher. or is this something that really doesn’t matter? Also, my counselor retired last year is this something I should include so that they know I don’t have a strong relationship with the new counselor?
thanks
Neither of those things matter- no explanation needed.
okay… Any other opinions on the issue?
Most colleges require letters of recommendation from junior OR senior year teachers, so it is absolutely fine to utilize the senior teacher recommendation.
okay but do you think I should explain why I go senior year recommendation in the extra info section of common app or no? and how about my situation with having a brand new counselor?
Two people have already said “no.” No matter how you ask the question, nobody experienced with admissions will give you a different answer.
I have said this many many times on this forum: using the additional info space to “explain” anything will be viewed at best as making excuses, and at worst as whining. Neither will serve you well.
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No AO has the time to wonder why a student chose a teacher from senior year vs. junior year or vice versa. Additionally, many applicants have little interaction with their GC even if they had the same GC for 4 years; colleges are well aware of this.
okay, thanks, Ski Europe, my college counselor recommended I explain the situation, but I’m in accord with you, it might just come off as an excuse as to why my letter of rec isn’t good, so I just won’t include it. given my graduating class is 427 students they’ll hopefully understand.
Thanks for the input, I appreciate it.