Importance of Rec's

Colleges and Universities A-Z Boston College
1

<p>Hey I’m wondering about how much BC values recommendations: the two required from your teachers, and any others people may send on your behalf.</p>

<p>Bottom line: My grades and test scores are definately on the low end of their range: 3.6 and a 27 on ACT. I have pretty good EC’s, and my college councelor says I have the best college essay he’s read in 20 years. I go to a prestigious Jesuit school in California, which has almost a 50% accpetance rate to BC. </p>

<p>BUT, I have 2 very good recommendations from teachers, and more importantly, I have a close friend putting in a good word on my behalf(a BIG TIME Alum of BC, I’m talking 5-6 figure checks on a consistent basis, and he’s the president of one of BC’s alumni councils). I also have the president of my school, a big time jesuit on the west coast who is also a close family friend, writing a letters to both President Leahy and the Head of Admissions, John Mahoney. LASTLY, I have a teacher on BC’s faculty helping me out, he too wrote a flattering rec on my behalf. </p>

<p>Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I’d like to know how much these additional three rec’s help me.</p>

<p>Cheers.</p>

2

<p>IMHO, they will make up for the GPA and ACT. Here's the thing: a 3.6 GPA at a tough Jesuit high school counts for a lot. It shows you can handle the coursework at BC, and that is ultimately what matters. I am hard-pressed to believe that the adcom can dismiss those recommendations.</p>

3

<p>yea man, the 5-6 figure checks from pres of an alumni council who is a good friend, letters to pres/admission office, faculty teacher helping you out is basically ridiculous. like, the guy who gives a ton of money could probably get you in no sweat, the college probably adores him. plus sunshadow has a good point, if your school is known to be tough BC will know that and give you a break on your GPA. how many honors/ap courses are you taking?</p>

4

<p>i appreciate the feedback...</p>

<p>to answer your question, i am not a heavy honors/ap guy. In fact, i've only taken two honors courses throughout my entire 4 years...both during my sophmore year---Bio Honors and Geometry Honors. I know that isn't great, but hopefully my essay and strong rec's will get it done for me.</p>