I am applying to UCLA (and a few other UCs) and in my essays, I was going to quote what teachers have written about me that corresponds to the essay question. So, for a question about how a challenge has affected my academic achievement, I quoted a teacher that commended me for my diligence and unflagging effort. Is this ok? Or should I take out the quotes?
Think on this for a sec before you write the quotes: what’s to stop an admissions officer from thinking you’re making those quotes up. What’s the credibility?
Where is this “written” that you have access?
I would assume a grade report rather than questioning OP’s credibility, although it would be best to make that clear in the essay.
I would these kind of details would be in your recommendation letter. I also think you could write a story about overcoming some obstacle without these quotes.
@scubadive: Only UCB invites applicants to submit LOR’s and only a small percentage. None of the other UC’s routinely ask for LOR’s so the teacher’s quotes will not be addressed or seen by admissions.
@vballluver: I would refrain from using any quotes from your teachers in your essays. They should be about you and not what others think about you.
These schools want to know YOUR perspective, and YOUR answer to the question – not one of your teacher’s answers. Use the question as an opportunity to showcase your own voice rather than someone else’s. After all, that’s what the teacher recommendations are for. Good luck!