<p>So I've already submitted applications to two highly selective summer programs, MITES and TASP, but I'm thinking about applying to a third, as more of a 'target' program (as MITES and TASP are pretty far 'reach'-es).</p>
<p>This third 'target' would most likely be CMU's SAMS program, but I'm hesitant to apply because it requires three letters of recommendation, at least one of which would have to come from my guidance counselor who has already written me a letter (for MITES, and potentially TASP--if I make it to the 'second round'). </p>
<p>Is it awful to ask her for a second letter? Is it alright if I just used the same one? Should I just use all three of the same letters? Or should I go to two different teachers and ask them? (I'm hesitant to go to two additional teachers, because they would most likely be my history and anatomy teachers and, history and anatomy are kind of irrelevant to the program itself).</p>
<p>Any help/advice/opinions would be appreciated. In thanks you shall all get cookies and/or glitter.</p>
<p>It’s fine to use the same letters for this. When you apply to colleges, you’ll be sending the same rec letters to each of them, too. (And then scholarships, etc. - I’ve just asked them to send an extra copy of the rec.) So yeah, I’d just ask your counselor to send another copy of her already-written letter.</p>
<p>My daughter asked one teacher for three summer program letters, and another for two. The programs were somewhat varied in their focus, so I think the teachers tailored the letters. To be fair, one teacher handles mostly 10th grade classes, so didn’t have a big crunch of senior college recommendations to write (but he is wildly disorganized, so it was still questionable whether he would get them done – he did, but barely). Since the rush for senior letters is mostly over, I think it is fine to ask about it. I would tell the original counselor/teacher(s) about the 3rd program and ask if they think it would be okay to just resend their same letter. I would ask them, though, not just use them (we do not have copies anyway, the only way we could get more would be to ask).</p>
<p>And be sure you send the teachers a thank you note for helping you, and an update later in the spring on whether you got into any of the programs (with thanks again).</p>
<p>One thing to note: if the teacher mentioned a specific program’s name in their first letter, they need to change the name for each additional program to which you’re sending materials!</p>
<p>And as intparent noted, thank-you cards/small gifts are always a nice touch.</p>