Professional vs. Personal Letter of Rec

<p>Okay so here goes,
I have talked with several teachers about writing letters of recommendation on my behalf, all of whom have accepted. But I have a slight problem. I am pretty sure I will go with my junior year English teacher because she has known me outside of school and she is probably one of the most eloquent speakers I know. Now I have one more to pick... </p>

<p>My junior year history teacher is a young, outgoing guy and we were able to have great discussions on topics ranging from politics to sports. I know he will write a great letter but I am fairly sure it will be a very professional one.</p>

<p>On the other hand, my junior year Spanish teacher and I got along as good if not better. She is also amazingly energetic and according to my parents, became emotional when talking about me at parent-teacher conferences. Her letter would probably be much the same; I just worry if it would be too informal and maybe not as strong grammatically.</p>

<p>I know this may seem trivial, but if any one was able to read through this and has an opinion, it would be greatly appreciated.</p>

<p>It seems trivial because it is trivial. Just ask whoever would write a stronger recommendation letter. A letter that comments on your capabilities and your merits in class is what they're looking for. Seems like either one would work.</p>

<p>Admissions officers, especially at selective schools, have tons of letters to slog though. The ones I know say "keep it simple, keep it short" is the attitude to take with recc letters. Page-and-a-half is best. </p>

<p>Ultimately what they use to judge you on is not the particular teacher's grammar or spelling (these are important, though) but on anecdotes. If your Spanish teacher can give anecdotes to back up claims, pick her instead of your history teacher. </p>

<p>Also, it's not out of line for you to, when you ask her for a recc, to maybe print out an article from online that journalists have written that talk about recc letters and the different points teachers should take care to follow. I don't remember keywords off the top of my head, but your situation is very common and articles have been written - they're like bullet points, and they say things like, "Remember good grammar and spelling," "Anecdotes, Anecdotes," etc.</p>

<p>the spanish teacher sounds like a more interesting letter. id prefer to read his rough but sincere thoughts - if your history teacher is worried about staying within the lines that wouldnt be nearly as much fun for a sleepy admissions officer to read.</p>

<p>Spanish teacher for sure. I have a feeling it'll go beyond the generic.</p>