<p>I currently have an internship position at a local university and am conducting research. I was hoping to ask my research mentor for letter of recommendation when I apply to college this fall, but I have one major qualm: my mentor is not native to the united states and thus is not very strong in English. I fear that her recommendation, though I feel it say thoughtful and nice things about me as a student, wouldn't be the most eloquent or even the most grammatically correct. Should I ask her for a recommendation anyway, or would a poorly written recommendation hurt my chances? Would it be possible for me to ask for a recommendation, take a look at it, and then send it to colleges only if I feel it is up to par?</p>
<p>You can use the research mentor recommendation as an “extra” rec. It is not a problem if the grammar or usage is not perfect, adcoms will be searching for info on you, not the writer’s grasp of English. Just be sure to have the two teacher recs, as well as the guidance counselor rec (or whatever the application specifies.)</p>
<p>I wouldn’t ask to look at the rec - then you couldn’t officially waive your rights. The colleges will look at what your mentor has to say about you, not the grammar in the letter, so as long as she can provide detailed anecdotes you’re fine. Maybe you should include a couple of anecdotes that she could write about - detail >> writing quality</p>
<p>Ok thanks guys. In that case I will definitely ask for a letter</p>
<p>Regardless of the ideal that content-trumps-style poorly written recommendation reflect on the credibility of the writer and are often dismissed. Unless your summer internship is very key to your application and that the recommendation is the only way to bring that point to the admission committee I wouldn’t chance a poorly written recommendation.</p>