Should the two recommendations for the Honors College application be two core teachers or is it preferable to use a non teacher recommendation from someone who knows the student really well in regards to leadership potential? My son has one really strong teacher recommendation from a AP chemistry teacher (his intended major) but the other teacher rec (AP Bio) would be from someone who does not know him well (we have had a huge turnover of teachers at our school and most of his previous teachers have left) His Boy Scout leader would write him a strong leadership rec (son made Eagle Scout rank in June) but we don’t know if both recs should come from teachers? Advice for the confused for be greatly appreciated - the Honor College is his dream and I think he has a shot with ACT 33, unweighted GPA 3.997, weighted 4.78 lots of AP classes and good ECs. He is working hard on his essays and having several people review and give feedback but the recommendations are a concern.
I would call someone in admissions or in honors college and ask. They are there to help and will tell you if one is preferable.
I would go with whomever will write the strongest recommendations. In your case, I would go with the Boy Scout leader. This shows another aspect of your son, which I think is more important than doing outstanding in classroom – heck, they already know that from the test scores and grades. We had letters from a teacher and a tutor. Based on what you write, I think he has excellent chances. I believe the ECs are extremely important for differentiation and selection, and emphasizing his Eagle Scout through a letter will provide the most bang. If you have any questions, give them a call. We did and got very friendly and helpful advice.
Go with the scout leader. They specifically don’t say ‘Teacher Recs’ for a reason on the instructions.
Thanks so much for the comments and advice - I am going to have DS contact admissions today and ask his questions!
We’re having a slight hurricane and USC has closed as of 2pm, so if he hasn’t called by now it might have to wait. 
Hi! I was wondering what my chances are to get into the Texas Tech Honors Society.
GPA:3.72
ACT:31
SAT:1340
Clubs:
National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, National Science Honor Society, Red Cross, Health Inspired Professionals
Leadership Positions:
Secretary for Red Cross- 1 year
President for Red Cross- current
Shadowing:
-Shadowed Emergency Medicine Physician
-Shadowed Genera Dentist
-Shadowed Psychiatrist