How do we know which Rec to use if only 1 required?

S18 asked two teachers for recs last Spring. Most colleges want two but a couple on his list only want 1 teacher plus GC rec. If we don’t get to see the recs, how do we know which one to choose? Do GCs read them and advise student? Both know S well and should write good recs but hard to tell which would be better. Has anyone encountered this situation?

Yes, we have encountered this and just had to go with our gut feeling for which one would be best. We considered the school and tried to think what they might value more - STEM vs. non-STEM, what class and grade the teacher had the student in. Asking the GC may not be a bad idea but they won’t review the letter and tell you which one is best but they might have a feel for the teachers.

Sometimes guidance counselors have a sense of which teachers write particularly strong recommendations so your son may want to check with the GC. Other than that go with your gut feeling.