<p>Hi everybody,
So all the schools I will be applying to require 2 letters of recommendations, each from a core discipline. The teachers that will be writing mine fulfill this criterion. I just have a quick question, and I'm looking for a couple opinions.</p>
<p>I have asked my biology teacher to write a rec because he knows me very well and has been very involved in my high school life hitherto. The other 2 I have in mind are my math teacher or english teacher. I know my math teacher a lot better, but at the same time, the english teacher could write a rec just as well -- it's just that he wouldn't shed as much light on me as my math teacher would. I have heard that it is STRONGLY recommended to get a recommendation from a math/science and a humanities, but I don't see how it could be detrimental to have recommendations from 2 teachers in math/science. I understand that the admissions officers wouldn't be able to gather much of my writing abilities from the math/science teachers, but wouldn't those abilities be clear in the essays? At the moment, I feel that my math teacher and bio teacher are the two that would capture myself the best. </p>
<p>Thank-you for your time reading this. I would very much appreciate thoughts, opinions, and/or advice. </p>
<p>You guys are great! Thanks :)</p>
<p>It should be fine. I did the opposite- 2 humanities type teachers, no math/science. Mine were English & History, and it was fine. Are you going into a math/science major? Then it would be important to have recs from those teachers. Or you could do the math and science ones since you feel they would do a good job, and then ask the colleges if you could send a 3rd one from the English teacher…just a thought. Some colleges will allow extra letters; others refuse to read more than the required amount.</p>
<p>I get the point you made about your writing abilities being evident through your essays, but what about your contribution to class discussion? I feel like math/science classes have discussions and skills much different from those used in english/history classes, which could be another reason it’s strongly recommended to have a teacher from both areas send in a rec. If your math teacher really knows you well and could give some really insightful stories that shed a lot of light on your character, than I would go with the math teacher. On the other hand, if he would only do a marginally better job than the english teacher, or if he’d be repeating things about your personality, etc. that the biology teacher has already mentioned, then I’d go with the english teacher (as long as the english teacher knows you well enough to say things besides hard worker, always on time, etc.) I hope this helps you! I’d be interested to see what other posters say, because I’m not too sure about this one.</p>
<p>@iluvpiano yes I’m definitely going to major in a math/science. Right now I’m leaning towards molecular biology, but I also like physics. And I’m glad that I’m not the only one with 2 recs from the same discipline!!!</p>
<p>@MapleLeaf I know exactly what you mean about the discussion aspect–two completely different atmospheres. I feel that my math teacher knows me 10 times better than my English teacher. My math teacher has always helped me seek outside math challenges, competitions, etc. My bio teacher knows me in a similar context, but through seeking outside bio labs and programs. </p>
<p>My English teacher likes my writing and contributions to the class, but that’s about as much as he knows about me. He doesn’t really know my future goals/ambitions as do the math and bio teachers. I’d say the only reason I’d ask him to write a rec would be to shed light on the humanity side of my academic profile. I’m definitely lucky to have the luxury of choosing though, and I’m sure whoever writes my recommendation will not tarnish the holistic nature of my application in any significant way. </p>
<p>Thanks for the input guys, very helpful!</p>
<p>LoRs are pretty important. You want the teachers who believe in your strengths and prospects enough to write well. There is no rule that it has to balance math-sci and humanities. </p>
<p>Believe it or not, many math-sci teachers DO write about class leadership, discussions, the level of questions you raise, your support for peers, your school involvement, etc. </p>
<p>Don’t forget, your GC writes, too. This is where the extra, general comments about writing or discussion skills can come in. Talk to the GC. Some survey your teachers teachers for the needed info and will cover what the math-sci teachers don’t. Remember, you want the recs to be enthusiastic and show great confidence in you. When you’re competing with a large pool of strong candidates, comments in the LoRs can make a difference.</p>