I have a problem that I’m hoping someone can help me with…I’m applying to USC, and I was wondering what a good balance was for letters of recommendation. Should I get 2 from teachers and 1 from my counselor? 1 from my teacher, 1 from my counselor, and 1 from someone who knows me on a more personal level (youth pastor)?
What would you guys suggest? Any help would be EXTREEEEMELY appreciated! Thanks!
Edit : Also, I’m a little confused…on the recommendation form, it says “Teacher or Counselor Report”, but when I called them, someone told me they could come from an outside source as well. Should I just go the safe route with all academic refs then?
<p>Most colleges require the school report, where your college counselor or other high school official must fill out. The other two are teacher recommendations. Usually, those are intended to be academic in focus, namely to assess your study habits and the like. Some schools say that you can substitute one of those recs with another if you'd prefer.</p>
<p>The issue is who you choose to ask to write those recs. Because the school report (counselor) recommendation is required, the only forms of concern are the ones for the teacher recommendations. It is preferable to get them from teachers that know you well, although some schools let you substitute an outside source. I would suggest doing that only if you cannot find a teacher to write the second recommendation.</p>
<p>You can, after having two teacher recs, ask an outside source for an additional recommendation--if it says something other than what has been covered by the School, and two Teacher forms. Some colleges say the thinker the applicant file, the thicker the kid. Only if you think it is appropriate and illuminating, would I recommend that you send extra letters of support.</p>
<p>Many of the highly competative colleges and universities I've applied to have said that two teacher recs, coupled with the school form, are enough to judge an applicant. For my ED school (Amherst), I sent the school report with counselor rec, and the two teacher recs.</p>
<p>My advice is to just send in the required recs; And, maybe an additional letter of support if you must. This is just my humble opinion. I hope this is of use to you. Good luck with your application. :)</p>