<p>I am applying to Yale and I was wondering if it wouldn't be bad to send a supplemental rec. I will have two regular recommendations from a history/english teacher, but I was thinking of sending a rec from a special teacher which I have for 3+ years, we do work in the class without credit or anything. I thought maybe that might be a special perspective, maybe?</p>
<p>I don't know about Yale in particular, but I'm a fan of Supplemental Recs when they add a new viewpoint. Check the college website to make sure they don't say something draconian such as "We will only read the requested two letters of rec.." If not, I say go ahead.</p>
<p>Very important, VERY: Tell the supplemental rec person to identify it as a Supplemental Rec in their opening sentence. Otherwise it might get filed as the regular letter (if it arrives first) and they won't file one of the two requested core letters when it arrives. Don't use the form for the LOR; instead use plain letter paper to help keep them straight. At least that's the advice we got last year at this juncture. </p>
<p>Also, identify to the special teacher the names of the other two you're using as regular recommenders. If they're all on the same h.s. faculty, they might discuss it among themselves so her perspective really adds something new.</p>
<p>Celita, I'm a longtime alumni interviewer for Yale. While Yale generally discourages supplemental materials, they seems to have much less of a problem with a supplemental rec than with music CDs, art portfolios, and the like (unless these come from applicants who are truly outstanding in those fields, not just people who have hobbies). Yale will read a supplemental rec. Make sure it is from someone who adds a new perspective. A supplemental rec that rehashes your two main recs is not strategic as it wastes the admissions officer's very limited time. A supplemental rec from someone who knows you in a different context and can shine new light on your strengths is a good addition.</p>
<p>Great points guys! Ok, I think I'll do the supplemental, though I will also make sure to tell her that its for more perspective. I really think its a unique context for a rec.</p>
<p>My son didn't apply to Yale, but I kept hinting that his Scholars Bowl coach or drama coach could do an amazing supplemental rec. Both had known him for 4 years and he'd done stand-out work for both of them. I also knew that they both could turn out a great piece of writing. Son said he only needed 2 recs and he got in everywhere, but I say it can't hurt. Just one--don't barrage them with too much material.</p>
<p>My son had two supplemental reccomendations, one from the company he did freelance work for and another from a biochemist for whom he had written a helpful computer program that was used in several published papers. I considered that he might have a letter from his freshman physics teacher who was his Science Olympiad coach, but in the end decided that it would be overkill to have another teacher. If this teacher will say substantially different things about you, I don't think it will count against you, and can only help if it's good.</p>
<p>I'll describe how our S used supplemental recs to say something different. He was applying to university programs in order to major in their departments of film for screenwriting. His two core subject recs were in AP US History and AP Euro History (one teacher, two courses) and AP Language/theater elective (one teacher, two courses). Hopefully that established him as a good individual student with the power of critical thinking. </p>
<p>Does this say ANYTHING about his potential to write for film media? Well, only with a huge stretch.</p>
<p>So, he went to his h.s. still photography teacher (3 years with advanced, independent work) write a supplemental rec. She was puzzled at first, since she's not often asked. He explained that, for film writing, he needed to have someone establish that he had a visual sensibility; also that he could work collaboratively or independently, as her studio course allowed (not so in the academic courses).</p>
<p>He had to walk her through why he needed her help. She certainly understood then. The 3 teachers all know each other, and perhaps they conferred. He never asked them what they wrote, and we'll never know. But he got into the university with the film program he wanted. </p>
<p>If the hoped for major is in the arts, and the school asks for two academic recs, that would be a very good reason to bring in a supplemental rec. The GC also liked the idea. </p>
<p>In addition, all of his leadership EC's were outside of the h.s., in an elected office of a national organization. He had that advisor write another Supplemental Rec about leadership. In retrospect, that one was probably not relevant, but I'm just mentioning it in case others read this and wonder about outside sources for supplemental recs.</p>
<p>I know of other kids with big outside commitments to paid jobs. THey ask their employer to write a supplemental letter about work ethic, disclipline and so on. I often wonder how well written such letters are, from supervisors at minimum wage jobs, but it does give a different dimension. If a kid had weak academics but demonstrated grit at the job, it would still be of value, in my opinion. </p>
<p>How have other people found Supplemental Recs to work?</p>