<p>I attend a Catholic High School, so I am required to take the religion courses(all studying from textbooks and handouts like a normal class with quizes and tests) all 4 years-- it's mandatory, but do the admissions people know that? I'm also an international student so I'm not sure if in the States religion is perceived as an elective or not!!! because in my school, it is compulsory!</p>
<p>i don't want to risk my religion teacher reccommendation to be invalid because religion isn't an "academic" subject; quoted from the Common App</p>
<p>Is religion study presented as a history or philosophy course? Are other religions besides Catholicism included in that study? If so, then I think you could include the teachers recommendation, but if not, I think it would be best to have a recommendation from a teacher in more traditional subjects as well.</p>
<p>I would say this specific religion course i took was really a hybrid of both! Some memorization of catholicism, and some application; but the question is, what do the admissions people think when they hear a “religion” course? that’s what’s got me concerned!</p>
<p>And in this certain course, there were no other religions involved! </p>
<p>my other recc is my biology teacher… i’m unsure about this one oh no :(</p>
<p>Surely you have more than two subjects, but I don’t think that colleges will hold it against you if the teachers background is teaching religion.</p>
<p>Schools are often looking for applicants with diverse backgrounds and as most students in US haven’t taken religion in high school, your coursework may be intriguing to them, assuming the rest of your classes are traditional college prep.</p>
<p>Many colleges in this country were originally founded by Christian/Jesuit denominations, even if the curriculum is now fairly secular.</p>
<p>It doesn’t matter that it’s a required course, it is still not going to be considered a “core” course by the admissions folks. You won’t get hurt for having taken it, it’s just not your best option for recommendations. Calm down and just get a third recommendation. It will be fine.</p>
<p>So it’s the state’s common app. format that has you worried? I agree, get another recommendation from a different teacher that can be considered “academic”. But don’t worry! Universities in the US realize that if you went to Catholic school (for example) that you will HAVE to take 4 years of religion. They will also realize that there is a better chance that you received an awesome education. They know about religious schools and their requirements. Don’t stress. If you’re in doubt, call the admissions office of your intended university.</p>
It will be fine.</p>