<p>Hello... sorry to invade the parents' forum; I just had a question about my recommendations. My closest friend wrote me a peer rec for a school for which one is an optional suppelement. The thing is, it's easily the best rec I've ever read and really gets me across in a way I can't... how would it be viewed if I sent this as a suppelemental rec to all my schools? Thanks so much for any help.</p>
<p>You might want to consider the advice here:
<a href="http://www.admissionsadvice.com/%5B/url%5D">http://www.admissionsadvice.com/</a>
"Keep Applications Direct, Simple" - posted 12/29/05</p>
<p>I am not sure I agree with the sentiment, but it is something to think about before sending supplemental material of any kind. The problem with a peer recommendation is that no matter how well written, many colleges may not give it much credence -- after all, it doesn't mean all that much that your best friend likes you. (Same with parent recommendations - some colleges like them, but I'm not sure how useful they are).</p>
<p>On the other hand, you may feel that it is best to give each college the most complete information possible. It is unlikely that they will reject you because they don't like the supplemental material, although they may simply ignore it. </p>
<p>Does the peer recommendation reveal some specific factual detail about you? Something interesting you've done? or is it more general, simply describing your personality? I think the real question is, other than praise, what does this add to your application package that cannot be found elsewhere.</p>
<p>But there really are no right answers. My daughter has submitted supplemental materials to colleges that seem to welcome or accept such items, but not to the majority of colleges -- I think the basic idea is to avoid sending extra paper to places that don't seem to want it.</p>
<p>If you do decide to use it, consult each college's website carefully. Some welcome supplemental materials and recs. Some <em>strongly</em> discourage them. So only send it to the former. </p>
<p>I particularly agree with calmom's 3rd paragraph - only submit if this rec reveals something particular you've done. If it is a general, albeit beautifully written paean, I would not include it.</p>