<p>Say I am home schooled from Grade 11 to 12 and I learn all the subjects entirely on my own, i.e. with no teachers but with my parents as my advisers.</p>
<p>How can I obtain 2 teacher recommendations from Grade 11 and 12 then since they say on Duke University Admissions: Homeschooled Applicants that "...recommendations from three instructors (at least two of whom are not related to the applicantand employers, religious leaders, sports coaches or other adults can write these recommendations if all academic instruction takes place in the home)...". Yet, they require teachers from Grade 11 and 12 (Refer to Duke University Admissions: Our Policy on Recommendations) to write the recommendations.</p>
<p>Does that mean that the recommendations should come from non-academic adults (Even if say, my parents are more aware of my potential) as long as that adults are not related to the applicants? I thought teachers/advisers have the strongest ideas on how does the student compares to others and how deeply the student's knowledge is on the subject matter?</p>
<p>Actually I would contact them with a list of possibilities and see what they recommend. Do you take music lessons? Atttend a youth group/other church activity? Think about adults in your life who know you well that could help Duke see the total picture that is "you". Offer them suggestions but realize they may want something different.</p>
<p>If I ask my parents to write the recs, it will contradict the other adults-thingi...But, will other adults be able to comment for my academic side/potential?</p>
<p>My son was accepted to Duke. He sent in a recommendation from his debate coach and the librarian that supervises some of our local homeschool activities. They both know him well and wrote great letters, though neither had taught him a typical academic class. I can't remember if we sent the brief letter we had from an online AP teacher. Seriously, your test scores will tell them a lot about your academics, recommendation letters usually speak more to character and drive. If your recommender is not accustomed to writing letters like that, be sure you give them copies of your resume and transcript and suggest that they offer an example from their knowledge of you to support each quality they describe.</p>
<p>Your parents will have an opportunity to speak to your academics as they write the guidance counselor's letter as well as comment on the homeschool supplement if you use the common app.</p>
<p>My son and daughter had no academic recommendations from teachers. They had no academic teachers. My son's recs were from the head librarian of our local library and a neighbor. My daughter's were from two ballet teachers. They did not apply to Duke, but were accepted to similar schools.
I think the most beneficial plan is to get recs from people who know the applicant well and can speak to curiosity and character. I think there is a huge opportunity here for home schoolers generally. Formal school teachers often write 50 or 60 recs a year, and I have to believe it shows.
Your parents can do the "School Report".</p>