<p>Hi guys, I’m a student from a competitive high school in New York. I will be applying ED to NU, my beloved top top top school. My school teacher, who has a very tight teacher-student relationship with me, has offered to write a personal recommendation. She’s an alumn of my ED school for undergrad and grad school. Will this help me? I’m still going to send it—I mean, it can’t hurt me too much if I send an extra rec. I love my ED school. I’ve visited, talked to teachers and admin officers on and off campus to express my interest. I’ve read posts where people send in alum recs—I know that is unhelpful because those alums are not teachers or people who know those students very well. I think my teacher knows me extremely well—been in her class for all 4 years of HS and am one of her favorite (if not favorite) students even though I am not her best. can someone PLEASE tell me how this will be to my advantage?? Thank you!! </p>
<p>I think I have pretty decent SAT scores, and my grades have increased dramatically since freshman year (straight A’s junior year!). My EC’s are strong too—I am very focused on about 3-4, most on the national/international level. I don’t want to mention my ethnicity or gender because they don’t put me at a disadvantage or advantage. My essays were pretty good—I think they’re boring because I’ve read them about 45678 times, but I’ve had my parents, English teacher, and a family friend who is an editor read them. I have all honors/APs (all 5’s except for a 4 for an AP that I didn’t take as a class). However, my first quarter grades for senior year aren’t exactly that great right now since I’m taking very rigorous classes, so I’m hoping that I’m not so boarderline that the school will call up and ask my GC for grades. HELPP!! can you see if a alumn-who-is-a-close-teacher’s rec will help me somehow?</p>
<p>Any recco. that helps your case should be sent; esp. since this teacher knows you all the 4 years of your HS. It appears that your grades are on an upward slope but for the first qtr of senior year. If you can explain this (assuming it is a steep downward trend) in your application adequately, it might help. Your AP scores will help. You haven’t mentioned your GPA or rank, so it difficult to add any further.</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>Thank you NorthwesternDad! 
senior quarter 1 grades are a little on the downside, so how should I explain it? Should I explain my upward trend first and then the senior grades? Do I need to explain my senior grades even though my HS does not send in Q1 grades for ED/EA?</p>
<p>My school does not rank, but I have 4.0 weighted gpa (excludes one of my semesters because of circumstances acknowledged by my HS)</p>
<p>If HS doesn’t send senior year 1st qtr grades, then there is no need to explain the slightly downward trend…but then make sure this is the case with your HS. Upward trend is self explanatory!</p>
<p>Have you taken SAT II? The very best to you…</p>
<p>Thank you very much for you prompt reply!
I’ve made sure with my GC that my HS does not send out Q1 grades, but he did say that if a applicant is on the brink of being/not being qualified for a college, the college will call up my GC and ask for my Q1 grades. What should I do then? I have taken the SAT II’s (4, all of which are over 750).</p>
<p>Thanks to Sandy, I can be very prompt in responding Since your Junior year grades are all "A"s, I will not worry about NU calling up your GS. In the worst case scenario, you can always prepare your GS beforehand with the circumstances that caused this slightly downward trend. Also, your 4 SAT II’s, all with scores of above 750 will stand you in good stead. I do hope that you have some stellar ECs too! Good Luck!</p>
<p>Sandy has been quite a helper during the final countdown to early submissions! In what case would NU call?
Yes, my ECs aren’t too shabby (I hope!)
Thank you once again! :D</p>
<p>I have heard from sources that NU calls only when the grades show a sudden (and steep) downward trend when all other factors point towards a good match. Going by what you have said thus far, you have a great shot! Best luck.</p>
<p>Thank you very much for all of your help!</p>