<p>I don't know who I should ask, although I've narrowed it down to about four choices...</p>
<p>A) My trumpet teacher (trumpet is my main EC), although he knows me more as a good trumpet player and less as an interesting person, so I don't know what he could write about my personality.</p>
<p>B) My band teacher. She definitely likes me and knows that I have many qualities of a leader (I've been section leader for a few years), but to be honest, I've never liked her and she can be unreliable, so I don't know if I want to risk her not sending it in on time, or just rushing through it at the last minute.</p>
<p>C) My principal. He has always liked me and knows about my potential and stuff like that. He would probably say that I'm a good person too, because I always say 'Hi' too him in the hall (most people ignore him) and he knows that I can be creative and witty. Downside is that I don't want to sound too academic, and asking my principal instead of someone having to do with music might take away from the well roundedness of my application. What are your opinions?</p>
<p>D) My mom. This is my last resort (i don't want them to think I never interact with people outside my own home).</p>
<p>So as you can see, there are upsides and downsides to each person. Which person do you think would be the most logical to ask for a recommendation? Thanks in advance for any comments...</p>
<p>I'd go with the band teacher, and stress to her the importance of getting the rec in. Make sure to give it to her well in advance with a stamped and addressed envelope, possibly with a resume (if she needs reminding of your activities, etc.). </p>
<p>However, if you don't like her and would rather not place your trust in her, I'd go with the principal. To him I would definitely give a resume that puts emphasis on your abilities and involvement with band. However, he may not know you well enough to write a recommendation that portrays you in a personal sense, but use your best judgement.</p>
<p>As for your mom writing the letter, I would NOT recommend this. You are right, it sounds like you never get out of your house and/or are inable to get anyone to write you a letter. Although this may not be true, this is most likely what is assumed when adcoms read a letter from a mother/father. These letters can never be considered honest, because most parents exaggerate their childrens' strengths. </p>
<p>Please take what I said with a grain of salt. I don't know you or your teachers, and the decision should really be up to you and what you feel most comfortable with.</p>
<p>Don't use your mum. I think from you you've said that the band teacher would be good. You can add the principal or trumpet teacher depending on what you want to emphasise in your application.</p>
<p>Use your band teacher for the optional rec., but then submit an Arts Supplement.</p>
<p>Musicians are allowed to submit an Arts Supp. if they think they're good enough. There are some guidelines, I think, as to what type of music they want to hear. If you consider this, you can call an office and make an appointment, or send in a CD.</p>
<p>The reason I say this is that you can then have someone "familiar with your work" write you a rec. </p>
<p>This is what I plan on doing with my art; it's one more side of you the admissions actually get to see (well, art teachers, I suppose), but the additional rec. is also a great opportunity to take advantage of.</p>
<p>hey matt. Yeah... i figured I'd choose a crapshoot school over one I actually have shot at, just, you know, becuase I enjoy being nervous and intimidated...</p>
<p>But anyway... contrary to what you're all saying... I think I'm gonna go with my principal. If you guys knew my band teacher, you'd know that she's not a very nice person, and I really don't think she'd go out of her way to write me a good recommendation. I'm also trying to portray how I come from a less than stellar school, so I think my principal could talk about how my test scores and stuff are the best he's seen at my school and I'm still gonna ask him to mention how I contribute to the community through music and my other ec's...</p>
<p>I'm planning to submit a photography arts supp. now I know im good, but I dont know if Princeton cares about photography. If im good will it significantly help my app? (btw semmerzwow i dont recommend asking ur friend to write it, ask someone like a teacher, or someone involved with your ec's)</p>
<p>summerwowz....no, not unless you saved his/her life or something amazing. Optional recs should be from someone that knows you in the context of an EC or something similar.</p>
<p>yea but they write on top of the optional rec that it could be from a parent, brother, sister, friend, etc. if its optional and they say i can do it, why is it a bad idea for my friend to write it?</p>
<p>I agree that your parents and friends know you best, but personally I wouldn't take a rec letter from them as seriously as I would one from someone else, because parents especially tend to exaggerate their children's strengths. Maybe it is just my personal preference and adcoms really don't care, like the one SweetestSith mentioned...if so, summerzwow yours should be fine.</p>
<p>Anyways, it all depends on what is being said, not so much who is saying it...so as long as they are a good reflection as you, they should be fine.</p>