<p>I am applying to the School of Computer Science, and the application instructions say applicants there are admitted primarily on the basis of academic performance, "with emphasis on strength in mathematics and science." Since CMU only wants one teacher recommendation I was going to give it to my English teacher, as he knows me well and can write a good rec. But now I wonder if, for SCS, it would be better to get it from my math teacher instead (to show emphasis on math and science). She also likes me, but doesn't know me as well and wouldn't be able to provide many specific examples, so I think the rec may be weaker even though it would show more focus on math/science.</p>
<p>I'd like to know too if a humanities teacher has more/less value than math or science, because I got one from my Calc/Comp Sci Teacher and another from my Physics Teacher, with a supplemental from my Robotics coach/Physics 2 Teacher. I hope having a humanities isn't important.</p>
<p>I think I'd just hand in two recommendations. I can't remember what my son did last year - he had Physics and Latin teachers sending out recs. If he only did one it was definitely Physics though the Latin teacher had had him three years in very small classes and Physics only one.</p>
<p>SCS really REALLY wants to know if you'll be able to handle the math/CS academics so I think the math teacher would be a stronger recommendation even if that teacher doesn't know you as well. In this case it's not so much your personality as your ability to do the work. (Remember that you'd only be required to take one semester of English ever in the CS major.) But it never hurts to turn in an extra one in such situations.</p>
<p>Opinions, vary, but I suspect it's better to have a recommendation from an English teacher who knows you well and will recommend you highly than one from a math or science teacher who either doesn't know you or will write a luke warm recommendation.</p>
<p>How strong you are in math and science ought to show up pretty clearly in your grades and SAT I & II scores. Recommendations should show what kind of person other people think you are. </p>
<p>I'd say go for the best recommendation you can get, your transcripts already speak for themselves. YMMV</p>