Rec from teacher in an unrelated subject to my major?

<p>I plan on applying to Rice University, which recommends submitting only one recommendation letter. My strongest letter of recommendation letter will likely be from my German teacher, who has taught me for four years (one year was a 1 on 1 independent study). I plan on going into engineering, however, and a lot of schools require one rec in math/science. My only math teacher for my sophomore/junior year is retiring, so I won't be able to get a letter from him (not that we had a super personal relationship). The only other teacher I could possibly ask is my AP chemistry teacher. She coaches a lot of sports teams though, so I'm guessing she'll be swamped with having to write recs for many people she knows much better than me. I know she likes me well enough, so I think she'd write me a decent letter, but it wouldn't be that personal or strong.</p>

<p>What I'm wondering is I should send this extra letter to Rice, since I plan on applying to their engineering school? Will my rec from my German teacher be less credible, since German is not related to my intended major?</p>

<p>I know the point of the rec letters are for the colleges to get to know us better, but I wasn't sure how important the teacher's subject is. Most of the other schools I plan on applying to require two letters, so this is not a problem. I just heard that Rice prefers only one rec unless a second will really add to your application, so I wasn't sure.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>It sounds like the German teacher will be able to write the best recommendation for you, based on the amount of time you have spent together and the quality of your interaction. I think you are wise to select this teacher’s rec when you are able to only submit one.</p>