<p>I have a deep admiration for one of my best friends who is applying to Yale. She's worked so hard in everything she does and has never given anything less than 150%.</p>
<p>And as much as she can try to translate this into her application, I want to make sure that the Admissions see what an incredible person she is.</p>
<p>So I was wondering if I could write her a "sorta" peer recommendation. I know Dartmouth likes these things, but will the Yale Admissions take any kind of consideration with my letter?</p>
<p>She doesn't know that I'm considering writing her one and she has never asked me to write her one. I just want to make sure that the Admissions Board really sees her and I think I can provide some insight. So what do you think? Yay or nay? Thanks! :)</p>
<p>wow...i never knew friends could do this for one another........wait....won't colleges just think that the rec is good b/c u're her friend .....sort of like u both planned it?</p>
<p>I was afraid that Yale might think that I just did it for her b/c we're friends. That's why I asked. :)</p>
<p>Believe me: she has the stats and the essay. It's just getting into good colleges is such a lottery these days, and I wanted to somehow give her an up. </p>
<p>I have lots of friends that got accepted to good schools (one to Columbia, one to Princeton, etc); but I don't think any of them deserve it more than her. I've got a lot of respect for her, and she doesn't exactly go around telling people her problems. I just thought maybe I could show Yale another side of her.</p>
<p>i don't think there's a problem w/ extra recs........maybe if it was from some established person or something.....but not from a best friend..........that would just seem too fishy ........u know what i mean</p>
<p>But not everyone knows her situation. Like how she's had to pick up jobs for financial reasons, and her family is another bugger. On top of all this, she's always working hard on extracurriculars (like on this past yearbook deadline she did 8 spreads, twice as many as anyone else . . .and she has more to come). Plus she's helped me through some of the hardest times in my life. </p>
<p>And it's not like our guidance counselor knows any of this. She just sits there and acts happy when one of us gets into a good school (harsh, but true). And like I said, she's not one to tell everyone about her problems. She's always looking ahead and tackling what's in front of her. </p>
<p>I guess I'm just aggravated at the whole system. </p>
<p>If not an extra rec, what else can I do besides support her while she waits for the decision?</p>
<p>You should go for it. As long as it's written honestly, with lots of details and no over-the-top flattery, the adcom should be able to see that it's not a trick. Maybe you could get a faculty member (like the yearbook teacher) who knows her well to sign off on some of the stuff you're talking about...idk, but try to find a way to give extra credibility to what you're saying.</p>
<p>Hmmm, signatures sound like a good idea. Maybe a phone number below them too for verification? Although, I doubt they'll call, but maybe it makes it more legit.</p>
<p>I don't know much of anything about peer recommendations, but I asked at a Yale info session about supplementary recommendations (I have one from my Gold Award advisor) and the woman said that they discouraged them unless they provided very different information as she said they tend to just take up more space in the student's folder (I didn't send mine). With that in mind, you may want to call the admissions office and check before sending something of your own as you would not want to unknowingly hurt your friend's chances of admission by adding weight to her file (especially without your friend's knowledge). But what do I know? It could be a great idea...</p>
<p>I think I would be providing more information though. Simply b/c she doesn't go and tell the world her problems. </p>
<p>But thanks for the idea. Just to check, I'll call Yale tomorrow during lunch break. </p>
<p>I'm going to be like "Yeah, I'm not applying, but my friend is. blah blah" LOL. No, I've got to think of something good to say. (What can I say, I'm not a phone person) Hehe. Thanks!</p>