<p>So Harvard wants 2 recs from "academic" teachers.</p>
<p>Does this mean they should have taught you in a core course like English/Math/Science/History?</p>
<p>Because I think my best rec would come from my theatre teacher who's known me forever and knows everything about me.</p>
<p>And well, my other teachers for the most part are pretty lame...</p>
<p>A theatre teacher is fine.</p>
<p>If you think your theater teacher can reveal something that other 'academic' teachers won't, submit it as a supplemental rec, but make sure you get two academic teachers to write recs, preferably from different subjects.</p>
<p>Filmxoxo17 is right. I received two recs from my academic teachers (science and language) and one supplemental rec from my community service coordinator.</p>
<p>so how many recs are the limit? i know im getting two from my bio/anatomy and english teacher, but i also have a piano teacher whom ive known for like 11 years and im really close with the head of the medical center i volunteer with. i only see "two" recs, but im not sure if more is ok</p>
<p>They don't like more. In fact, they resent it! They'll all be reiterating the same things that are in your application, in your best interest, narrow it down to three max.</p>
<p>I still disagree that theatre would have to be "supplementary". The point of the recommendation is to see why you are different from other students, what stands out to this teacher, what makes you special. If your theatre teacher can best argue this, then that is fine. If your math teacher, for instance, is just going to say "All A student, active in ECs, school leader, etc" that's the same as all other recs. A rec should tell a story or anecdote about why you are different. Its going to be a chance for a teacher to present a side of you that isn't evidenced by your grades on your transcript showing you get As, your class rank showing you are a strong student in your class, and your extra curriculars on the resume showing you are involved. </p>
<p>Also, don't discount other areas like foreign language as an area that isn't a "core" or good enough subject. I had my Latin teacher write me a rec. Especially if you want to pursue foreign language in college, that is fine. And I still argue that theatre is fine.</p>
<p>For example, I also had a science teacher write me a rec. He didn't just write "She is good at chem", but he wrote that I was a leader both in class and out of it as president of an organization. He wrote that my problem solving ability shows in the lab and also on my school's speech team. He described my involvement as a team player in lab and as a member of swim team. He discussed my involvement in cultural activities too. There are ways to present a fuller picture of oneself while simulateously showing that teachers like you. But cmon, lets be realistic...if a teacher didn't like you, would you ask him or her to write you a rec?</p>
<p>I suggested that the theater rec be supplemental because that's what an admissions officer told the room during an info session. I'll take their word. :)</p>
<p>The point is that your acting teacher won't be able to say what kind of learner you are, how fast you absorb material, etc. which is the MAIN purpose of the recomendation.</p>
<p>Not to argue with an admissions officer since I am not one (I am a senior)...when I worked for the UMRP, this is what we would email to students. This also comes from the admissions office. Note there is no specific type of teacher required :)</p>
<p>5) Teacher Recommendations: These are really important because your teachers'<br>
comments are the only opportunity that Harvard has to see what people who have<br>
know you for an extended period of time think about your character and ability.<br>
Make sure you choose teachers who know you well and can speak to your<br>
personality and skills outside of the classroom---you definitely<br>
want to find a teacher who can write more than "Yeah, he's pretty smart because<br>
he got an A in my class..." Also make sure you give your teacher recommenders<br>
plenty of advance notice about when your application is due---it'll be a lot<br>
easier for them to remember the times that you impressed or stood out to them<br>
if they're not rushed.</p>
<p>I guess I also disagree that the main point of the recs are to show what kind of learner you are, again based on the info I was told to disseminate to prospective students, which emphasizes the person outside of the classroom. Also who really cares how fast a student can learn material or thru what style, the point is if she can do it, which the transcript will tell.</p>
<p>Ok, well my theatre teacher is by no means an acting teacher. He's my actual teacher for production classes. I think I will use it as one of my recs...</p>
<p>its going to be hard to pick the other one. My teachers know nothing about me outside of class! Gah!</p>
<p>Tawny, from your last post it actually seems as if your theatre teacher will be fine. He isn't an acting teacher (more production), and it's hard for you to think of someone else.</p>
<p>Is getting a rec. from a professor okay? I took 2 math classes at a univ. this past year, had the same professor for both, and I think he is the only one who is really seen all of my potential (meaning there were things that I had to struggle with and overcome in those classes). I turned in a rec from him to RSI and SHARP.</p>
<p>Hmm, maybe my Harvard SSP & USC seminars professors could give a rec ...</p>
<p>Also (I was just thinking about this), is it bad to use teachers you had soph. year and not junior year? I did great in soph. chem and think I'll have the same teacher for AP senior year...
I guess having him in senior year as well would make it okay...
but just checking...</p>
<p>tawny - that's fine.</p>
<p>getting a rec from a professor is OK.</p>
<p>Is it ok to use soph teachers that you didn't have later in junior or senior year, but still kept in good contact with?</p>
<p>hey guys i had 6 teacher recs and i got in</p>
<p>Does getting a reccommendation from the music teacher school count as academic??</p>
<p>If your music teacher is not part of your regular school, then no.</p>
<p>hey guys. i asked harvard. my theatre teacher's rec would be considered "supplemental" ... just fyi... they want core course teachers...</p>