Letter of rec from private tutor?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
1

<p>I had a private tutor for geography for several weeks in order to help me catch up with work I missed due to relocating. I'm thinking about asking the teacher to write me a letter of recommendation - I think it might re-inforce the theme of my essay (overcoming a challenge through persistence ie. catching up with my studies and still excelling)</p>

<p>What do you guys think? If so, how would I go about it...should I just as him to fill out a normal teacher recommendation form? </p>

<p>Thanks in advance</p>

2

<p>bump…</p>

3

<p>No. Tainted because you are paying the tutor. Get a teacher from your previous school.</p>

4

<p>I tend to agree that a letter from someone with financial interest in pleasing you is not going to carry the same weight as a letter from an unbiased observer.</p>

5

<p>I agree…but I don’t have him as a tutor any more. This was back in January. Do you think that makes any difference?</p>

6

<p>You got our opinions.You will do as you wish but it will be a mistake to think a PAID tutor’s LOR is not looked upon with skepticism by the adcom- no matter when payment stopped.</p>

7

<p>How about a recommendation from the teacher of the class for which you were tutored? That would also carry your theme.</p>

8

<p>It’s not just the possible conflict of interest. A privately-hired tutor suggests an environment of privilege, and admissions officers are not necessarily going to relate to the situation. I agree about a rec from a teacher being better suited to this process.</p>

9

<p>OK thank you. Yeah I’m going to submit a letter of rec from my school geography teacher who can vouch for the catch up work I did.</p>