For letters of recommendation, I know that two is the minimum. I have a counsellor (obviously) and a chemistry teacher (since I plam to study chemistry in college). However, I want to have more than just these two. I haven’t made up my mind, but I’m 77.63-ish% sure I’ll send my application of early action to Harvard (because a) I like their chemistry program and b) I attend Juilliard Precollege and around 6-9 Precollege kids every year get in to Harvard, and academically/socially I would like to say that I’m very much meeting Harvard’s standards), and one of my non-science teachers is a Harvard alum, so I woudl really like to ask him for a letter. Additionally, I will ask my violin teacher (three of her graduates got into Harvard last year—she had 5 seniors that year), the director of the Precollege, and a Juilliard parent my family has known for years who is a Harvard alum and has a daughter going there currently.
So, would it be possible to ask these six people to write letters of reccomendation for me?
Thanks for your help!
Also, I am a junior, so this is the time of my life when I begin to consider this sort of thing.
On the Common App (where you’ll submit your recommendations), it says two teachers allowed (three max) and two max Others. So you’ll have to choose one not to submit. I didn’t apply there, so I have no experience with this, but most colleges won’t consider any more if you submit them, say, in the extra info section.
six is too many. Ask your GC, two academic teachers (some schools require two teacher recs), and one additional.
Your counselor recommendation is a requirement, as are two core academic teachers from 11/12th grades.
You can choose to include one or more additional recommendation letters - but should only do so if they are able to give substantive, and different, information about you. For example, your violin teacher might be a good choice if your music performance work is a key part of your application.
The admissions officers do not care about the people writing your letters. Don’t try to impress them with high status letter writers. The letters should instead tell them about you. Choose the teachers or mentors you have the richest relationships with, teachers who can speak to your personality, your ambitions and your contributions. The director of your school is unlikely to be the best choice unless you have cultivated a very close relationship through some out of class work.
You should not be considering who is a Harvard alum when you are building this list. If the science teacher who happens to be a Harvard alum is otherwise not one of your strongest supporters - don’t get that recommendation. Likewise, the parent/friend who is a Harvard alum is a bad idea.