<p>Do reference letters have to be written by teachers? Can they be written by a tutor/mentor or a former college president (highly respected) with 30 years on the job? (my FIL, son's step Granddad who adores him) Or a coach on a sports team regarding characture? Or does it have to be from a core curriculum teacher? TIA</p>
<p>This depends on the college and you need to read their requirements carefully. Some schools require recommendations from a teacher from 11th or 12th grades only. Many require these, but allow an additional supplemental recommendation which may come from any of the individuals you listed above.</p>
<p>some colleges request/allow supplemental recommendations
I think my daughter had two teacher recommendations & one from her college advisor and one from her work supervisor
Some may allow recs from relatives- I don't really know protocol on that.
But as a substitute for a teacher rec, i would say if they ask for two teacher recs- then they want two teacher recs.
Is the extra recommendations going to elicit information not given elsewhere in the application? Then it might be worth it- but it also might be annoying. ( particulary if his granpa points out his academic experience in the letter)
<a href="http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/archives/000196.htm%5B/url%5D">http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/archives/000196.htm</a></p>
<p>Thanks quilt! I'm getting an education that every application is different and you really need to tailor your application to each college. This is what I don't like about the online applications. I would really like to see it in front of me to see what's required, oops, my son I mean, not me, :p</p>
<p>LOL Emerald after reading the link. I was thinking of Grandpa helping for the OOS my son loves in the state he was a College Prez. We are desparate here as my son is only loving reaches OOS at this point. Grrrrrrr</p>
<p>While it is possible to send a supplemental recommendation to many colleges, nearly every college requires at least one recommendation from a teacher who has taught the student in a core class (i.e., math, English, social studies, science, foreign languages).</p>
<p>Thank you Carolyn, that's what I thought. Is there any circumstance that college Prez Grandpa could help (Library of college is named after beloved late Grandma)? Reeaaaaching here.....</p>
<p>I don't want to sound harsh- but I am wondering if emphasizing that his family has a College President could backfire.
Ya know how they advise students in filling out applications jsut to say doctor for moms job- instead of chief of staff at cedar sinai .
The people reading the applications- probably didn't even attend the college- and there might be a bit of reverse snobbery- or at least the possiblity.
A student who has family who have done very well- financially and have been able to support him academically- is naturally going to be held to a higher standard than someone whose parents didnt' graduate from high school and who need a lot of aid.
Just a thought</p>
<p>However- if family might endow a chair at the school- that might make it more interesting ;)</p>
<p>Good point emerald and it was not harsh at all. When I post a question here I want raw feedback. Thank you!</p>