I’m applying Northwestern’s Weinberg College ED. I have a recommendation letter from a science teacher and from my counselor. I’m also considering adding these three supplementals:
Music Education Teacher - witnessed my growth as a musician, which is something I don't really highlight much in my application. He talks about how I released a full-length album on my own, all the concerts and events I've accompanied at, my education in music, etc. It adds a lot since I don't discuss it really at all but it's an important component in my life.
District Superintendent - his letter discusses how I worked with him on a variety of projects, and how I act as the student liaison to the Board of Education. Very positive and could be meaningful since I mentioned in my Common App essay that I once made a mistake that damaged our relations. He touched upon some of the same topics that my counselor did, but much more impactful coming from the superintendent himself since he was directly involved.
Gifted Education Advisor - advisor in my school that is in charge of Gifted Education from 6th grade to 12th grade. She watched me grow academically and socially, and she wrote about the standards for Gifted Education and how I am identified. I didn't read it but I heard she usually writes good recommendation letters.
All three supplementals are written, but I haven’t submitted any. Thoughts? I feel like they all provide good insight but I don’t want to fall under the “thicker the file, thicker the applicant” saying.
An extra rec should highlight something that is not covered in the required recs. You don’t multiple recs saying some version of the same thing.
Here’s the reality - each application is read in a fixed amount of time. More stuff does not mean more time; it means the application will be skimmed, in parts, in order to complete within the time limit.
NU will take more than one teacher LoR ( key word TEACHER), plus the GC. Unless you are planning to double major or minor in music or education, I would stick with your science teacher and GC LoRs, and not send the music teacher rec. Further, I would definitely not send the superintendent or gifted advisor recs.
NU should have a guideline for submitting the LORs. If it does allow more than 2 teacher LOR’s from your high school, then I’d definitely limit to 1 outside LOR.
Even if a school will take more than 2 LORs, I would not use the one from the gifted education adviser under any circumstances. Your giftedness only matters in the context of what you have achieved, and your achievements will be shown in your GPA, scores, and other accomplishments.
Agree with everyone else. If supplemental LORs are accepted, I’d only send one. From what I read in your post it sounds like the music teacher might be able to add some meaningful additional information.
The GC, one stem teacher, one humanities. Start there. More letters saying how wonderful you are dont increase chances. You never want an adcom to ask, what was she thinking?
As important as LoRs are, you’re responsible for making your app/supp as good as you can. Not letter writers.