<p>SouthJerseyChessMom recommended me posting this message on this board to see what you intelligent parents have to say. I'm crossing my fingers and praying that i get into the University of ND. So, any help on what to do would be greatly appreciated. :) Thanks!</p>
<p>ok, our school has the hardest time keeping new teachers and staff members more than a year. We went a year without a guidance counselorone. Last year, we finally hired someone who knew what they were doing. I went to him almost once a week just so hed know enough about me, my wanting to go to ND, and all that fun stuff so he could write a good yet true counselors report. Of course, over the summer he quit and now we have this lady. Its her first year doing this, she has no i dea who i am, or what i want or stand for. I went to ask her to fill out my papers and write my recommendation... and im nervous that she wont mention that its her first time around and she doesnt know me at all. I'm also very worried about her writing skills. I have an EXCELLENT teacher recomm. but her's is making me quite nervous.
If her recommendation isnt great, but doesnt reflect me badly.... is it going to hurt my application?</p>
<p>Have the teacher who is writing the rec explain the situation in a manner that won't be just boo-hooing. Something like I am privileged to do this for <em>, especially since the situation with the guidance counselrs has been difficult, as best, with us not having one for a year, and now having one who knows nothing about the kids. </em> deserves to go to __ and I want to do everything I can in order to make this happen for her/him.</p>
<p>You need to provide your GC with info that would help her write the recommendation: a sheet that says how you selected your colleges, what yo are considering majoring in, what your ECs and other activities have been.</p>
<p>The new GC is probably overwhelmed and overworked as she tries to help all of the students who are applying to college, so while it's great that you've talked to her, also provide her with info in writing that she can use in doing your reccs.</p>
<p>Also provide a list that says when your college apps are due so that she makes sure to send transcripts, etc. on time.</p>
<p>Everyone, anyone would appreciate a letter, resume, informal list of what Northstarmom mentions in the above post. Even those who know you well are frenzied at this time of the year with many recs to write, and it is so easy to get writer's block. It's nice to have a sheet listing the important issues, even if you have discussed them with the person. Because it is YOU that the rec is going to be discussing, you are the best person to provide what you want in the rec, where the GC adds his/her reflections on the info as given. GCs want to give their students the best rec possible so they will appreciate this info as would your teachers. YOU may remember some special incident, "aha" moment, great discussion abut your interests with a teacher but he may not remember it at the time he is writing your rec. A personal letter to each of your recommenders with a pertinant list can help you a lot. And don't forget to follow up with a thank-you note. Handwriiten is preferred.
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<p>I have given her a written list of everything im involved in and all of that. Also, to the one concern, ND requires one recc. from the GC, one from the teacher, and a mid-year evaluation on grades. My only worry is that she will make it essay like and wont really "know" me.</p>
<p>ND does require recs. One from GC, one from teacher. No others are considered, so this is important. ND is known for placing a heavy amount of importance on your essay, so work on this. Community service is also HUGE. And taking toughest possible courses (which is something a rookie GC might not be aware of & might neglect to check.) In this case, you have to be the squeaky wheel in search of oil. In the nicest, most respectful way posssible, make the GC aware of what needs to be done to present you in the best possible light.</p>
<p>Good luck.....maybe a friendly "just checking on the status" call from a parent is in order?</p>
<p>Just because a GC know you well and likes you does not mean he can write the type of rec that would really help you get into those schools that scrutinze apps. Adcoms lament long and loudly about some of the most useless refs they get from teachers and GCs. And many of these folks mean well. </p>
<p>That said, a GC who has gone through the education necessary for the position knows what is supposed to go into a college rec. How he uses the knowledge is a different story. Where you can make the biggest impact is to give this counselor a written, easy to read summary of the points you feel are pertinant to you. Even a counselor who knows you well could use one of those sheets.</p>
<p>Is your school large, and does your counselor have a large number of seniors to write for? If so, the colleges generally are aware of that situation, and understand that the recommendations are not likely to be as personal as they would in a school with a low counselor/student ratio. You might be sure to ask the counselor to send a school profile with the letter (or you can send one yourself) so they can have a clearer picture of your school's situation.</p>