<p>Harvard's teacher recommendation requirement reads, "Ask two teachers in different academic subjects who know you well to complete the Teacher Evaluation forms." (Harvard</a> College Admissions § Applying: Requirements)</p>
<p>Do you think I will be penalized or looked down upon if I do not submit two recs by teachers who have explicitly taught me in the classroom? My Honors English II teacher wrote me one, and the principal emeritus who has been principal at my school for 30+ years (just stepped down this year but still works for the school in development) wrote me one as well. Both of these individuals know me very well and can write strongly on my behalf. I want to count the principal's letter as my second "teacher evaluation" -- although he has not taught me in the classroom -- because I would like to send a third letter from a priest who can speak about a different facet to my character. Also, as a side note, I think that the principal represents all of the teachers who have taught me throughout high school.</p>
<p>In Harvard's FAQ section, there is a question that asks, "Which teachers should write recommendations?" to which the answer reads, "Teachers who know the applicant well and who have taught him or her in academic subjects (preferably in the final two years of secondary school) most often provide us with the most valuable testimony."</p>
<p>The FAQ does not give a definite answer, and in my opinion, leaves the instructions somewhat open to interpretation (e.g. "most often provide us"). Anyway, what do you guys think? Do you think it really matters as long as the admissions committee receives an accurate representation of the applicant?</p>
<p>Colleges ask for recommendations from teachers that have recently taught you because they want to know how you contribute to the classroom conversation. They want to know that you dynamically lead classroom discussions and constantly have your hand raised ready to offer thoughtful opinions. They want to know about your writing abilities and whether you are a student who has the potential to become a great scholar. Have you read what MIT is looking for in teacher recommendations? ([Writing</a> Recommendations | MIT Admissions](<a href=“http://mitadmissions.org/apply/prepare/writingrecs]Writing”>How to write good letters of recommendation | MIT Admissions)) Harvard is looking for the same thing. Can your principal emeritus say those things?</p>
<p>To the OP: when in doubt, always follow the directions. Find 2 teachers to write recs, then choose the principal or the priest for a more character-based letter.</p>
<p>And heed the common saying of adcoms: ‘The thicker the file, the thicker the applicant.’</p>
<p>I understand what the saying means, but couldn’t an applicant simply want to provide additional information about him or herself? </p>
<p>Also, would Harvard take 4 recs (two teacher and two additional) along with the guidance counselor report? I realize this would go against the “thicker the file” saying, but I just need some direction before submitting the application.</p>
<p>Sure, Harvard will “take” all the recs you send. However, they will weigh the teacher and counselor recs more, as these are the people who have seen you most in the classroom and school setting.</p>
<p>Applicants who adhere to the application guidelines show respect for the app readers’ time, as well as confidence in the rest of their admission submissions.</p>
<p>Would journalism and English be considered separate academic subjects, considering they were indeed separate classes? Or should I send in a third in a science subject, thus causing a bit of an overload in recs? I have an outside rec I’m sending in too.</p>
<p>I have never heard of a situation where it made sense to send more than 3 recommendations besides the guidance counselor’s. I’m just a student, so I don’t have particular expertise, but I would recommend OP choose only one non-academic letter. As for Amplified, I think the journalism-English-science matters on how much your journalism and English recommendations will differ. Can you ask them what they would advise? They haven’t seen you in the other teacher’s class, but they will also know much more about what they’re planning to write than I do.</p>