<p>My freshmen Math teacher has been my biggest supporter all throughout high school. And he repeatedly tells me. He has more than enough good things to say about me. So I asked him for the 3rd rec that is available. He gladly said yes, saying he'd be more than willing to write me a wonderful rec, but he warned me. Apparently schools frown upon 3rd recs, <em>especially</em> from freshmen year teachers. So, is it worth it? Should I use him as a rec or not? I"m confused on the purpose of the 3rd rec, and on the situation in which I should use it. Thanks.</p>
<p>I used a math teacher from 8th grade who has become more of a great friend to me. He teaches 9th grade math but I was in an accelerated program. He's honestly like one of the guys... I can't see why they'd automatically "frown" on more information about a candidate. After all, they "want to get to know you..."</p>
<p>Yeah. i used a teacher from my soph year who told me i was the reason he is still teaching.... so... why not?</p>
<p>I'd save this for like 1) a coach in some sport you're dedicated to to 2) a fine arts/debate/etc. coach/teacher 3) a teacher who knows you REALLY well and taught you in 10th/12th grade ideally or 4) some teacher from a summer program/college course. My extra rec was from a Stanford prof who taught a math program I did last summer.</p>
<p>Thanks. I think I'll ask him to do it then.</p>
<ol>
<li>No sports.</li>
<li>No fine arts/debate/etc.</li>
<li>This teacher knows me really well.</li>
<li>None of that.</li>
</ol>
<p>The teacher better know you in a way that's really deep/profound/interesting/important. Will it add a lot to your app? Say a lot about who you are? Picture the letter getting lost in the mail. Do you freak out (or are at least a bit worried) because the letter could make a big difference? If not, I say don't submit it.</p>
<p>Well of my two regular recs, one of them will be less than stellar. I think this rec could make a difference. I really think he knows me from an interesting standpoint.</p>
<p>yes marlgirl, but if the 3rd rec is from an acadmic teacher, and it makes a super super big difference, you might consider making it one of your primary recs...</p>
<p>someone- stanford wants 11th grade teachers.. so if this teacher is from soph year, than we cant get it... the optional is the perfect way to get someone else.</p>
<p>Last year I used a rec from the Vice-Principal. Honesty, you guys overanalyze things too much. A glowing third rec can't possibly hurt. The worst it can do is help you so slightly that it doesn't even matter.</p>
<p>I am using a third recommendation from my eighth grade English Literature teacher for EA at Stanford. It can only help.</p>
<p>"Apparently schools frown upon 3rd recs" </p>
<p>-> what makes you think that? My 3rd rec is from my employer and that's a pretty strong one and I think it only does good to my app since it'll help the adcoms know me better in various settings (assuming that they want to). Besides, Stanford even offers a form for optional rec (most of the schools I'm applying to don't yet I still send them my 3rd rec), which means they're willing to consider one if it says a lot about you. Don't worry too much, just send it if it's gonna be "a wonderful rec".</p>