Not sure if this is the right place to put this but oh well. I’m a junior in HS and am starting to think about letters of recommendation for college. I have a few teachers in mind but I also am wondering about sending a more unique letter from my grandfather along with teacher recommendations. My grandfather was a teacher for many years in California and also won one of the first Milken Awards(very prestigious) for his teaching. I’ve heard it called the “Oscars of teaching”. He also became a professor at a college later in his career. I would think that his opinion would matter to colleges but I don’t know if they would completely ignore it because he is my grandfather. Any thoughts, is it worth a shot?
I don’t think you should ask a family member to write a rec - obviously he would have nothing but good things to say about his own grandchild so I’d guess his letter would not have much worth to admissions.
I don’t think family members can write LoRs.
I think you should stick to the traditional teacher recs. Honestly, if a teacher has only good things to say about you, that’s a lot more appealing to colleges than a family member. Also, you most likely see your teachers more than your grandfather so your teacher is going to be a little more correct about who you are as a student. Another aspect to consider is for example if your father talks to your grandfather on the phone, he might tell your grandfather that you aced your test and may not tell about negative things, and in turn, your grandpa may have a blind spot when it comes to your academic learning state. Also, your teachers will probably be a little more raw and real about who you are, they also might know more about colleges in your area (if your staying local) and may know how to appeal to them. That was really long, sorry just trying to help.
If it is not from someone that has taught you or someone who has directly supervised you (ex: an employer), then regardless of their qualifications the letter of recommendations will not mean much to the admissions office. They are the people that will have seen you learn, grow, and how you can perform in the classroom. Being a college professor and those teaching awards is something your grandfather did, not you so getting a recommendation from him does not tell the admissions office anything about you. Otherwise admissions would just go to people that have connections or family members that have done great things, not the people that are most qualified. I agree with the others, stick to the traditional teacher recommendations