Letters of Recommendation

Hi everyone,

I had a couple questions concerning letters of recommendation in general, because of my schooling situation. I know that normally, you would get a letter from a counselor, and then around two from teachers. However, I don’t want to do this.

I go to high-school online, so although my teachers know I do good work, this is really all they are able to know about me. My counselor doesn’t even know my name, she just has to help whoever e-mails her. These people do not know me, therefore I do not feel confident that they will be able to write the kinds of letters I need.

I am a part of several strong extracurricular activities with leaders and teachers who know me well, and have family friends who have known me my whole life. Can I get these kinds of people to write me letters? Or does it absolutely have to be from teachers?

I’m especially concerned with the counselor letter.

Thanks.