Recommendation letters for summer programs

Pre-College Topics Summer Programs
1

<p>So I'm applying to two summer programs. Each of them require three recommendation letters. I got letters from four teachers for both programs so that I could sort of choose between all these teachers that really liked me. They all allowed me to read their letters (because they like me a lot and all, is it the good looks? lol).</p>

<p>The two programs are research programs, and I want to do research on physics. I've got recommendation letters from a math teacher, a chemistry teacher, a physics teacher, and an English teacher. </p>

<p>Math is good, chemistry is good, English is very good, but physics is not that great. The physics letter just states a lot of the information that was already on my application. The English letter is well-written, conveys the intellectual curiosity, ability to study independently, etc. </p>

<p>So, I'm choosing between my English teacher and physics teacher. Both are AP teachers. I want to study physics, but would omitting the physics letter in favor of the English letter hurt me? Will they be like, "He should have a rec letter from physics rather than English because English doesn't have anything to do with science"?</p>

2

<p>If I were you, I would include the English rec letter. You said the letter tells about some of your good qualities; these qualities are relevant to scientific research, especially intellectual curiosity. As long as there isn’t a requirement that you must submit a recommendation from a teacher in the field you would like to research, simply omit the Physics teacher’s letter. </p>

<p>Edit: Also, good English skills are important to scientists. When writing papers or grant proposals, one must be able to communicate clearly and effectively. Ergo, a letter from an English teacher should not be frowned upon.</p>