Supplemental recommendations – send one, or don't?

Several of the colleges I’m planning to apply to allow applicants to submit a supplemental letter of recommendation along with the typical teacher & counselor recs. (I’ll be specific in case it’s helpful: Brown, NYU, Pitzer, Pomona College, Tufts, Vassar. Yes, I have likely-admit schools on my list as well, but interestingly none of them allow a supplemental recommendation.)

A college professor who is leading a study I’m involved in has expressed willingness to serve as a supplemental recommender for me. I think a letter from them would be a significant value-added since they could speak to my ability to collaborate and work hard outside of a school setting, and my competency in academic areas and methods that align with many of these colleges’ offerings.

At a few of these schools, only one teacher recommendation is required. I have a second teacher recommender who could also serve as my supplemental recommender.

Is there any reason not to send in a supplemental letter of recommendation? If I am sending one in, should I stick with my second teacher rec for the schools that won’t be getting it anyway, or should I go with the professor across the board?

No reason not to have a supplemental letter. The answer to your other question depends, I think, on the first teacher letter. If that teacher knows you well and can convey your academic talent, work ethic and character, then I would use the professor when you can only have two recommenders. If, instead, you need two actual school teachers to convey those qualities IN school, go with the teacher. If I were to choose, I would go with the professor though.

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Always better to add more voices in support of your application. Especially if they are going to highlight a part of you that is not covered by any other reference.

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Supplemental letter only if they can add something new. My daughter submitted a supplemental letter from the director of her dance studio because it added substantially to her application. She had to turn down a couple of others because they wouldn’t have added any additional important info that an admissions officer would care about.

“Supplemental recommendations” through the common app are generally from someone other than a teacher in order to offer perspectives about an applicant outside of the classroom setting. They serve a different purpose than “teacher recommendations.” Not all schools accept a supplemental letter, but many will accept one or even two.

For example, D had supplemental letters from both from her longtime employer and the director of her HS theater program (where she performed, directed and interned).

As you describe it, it sounds like the college professor could fall into the supplemental recommendation category. But, it’s not clear cut.

IMHO, err on the side of sending it when the school will accept it, but probably best to run this question past your HS guidance counselor.

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To clarify, are you suggesting that I avoid using the supplemental recommendation slot for an additional teacher recommendation?

Yes. Sorry, I could have been more clear.

“Teacher” recommendations are meant to be completed by teachers.

“Other” recommendations (which I think you are referring to as “supplemental” recommendations?) are generally meant for someone who knows you outside of the classroom.

The Common App website explains it this way:

“Teachers write from the vantage point of the classroom. They can provide a view of an applicant’s intellectual curiosity, creative thought, and work habits.

Other recommenders help illustrate an applicant’s interests and pursuits outside of school. They can show how an applicant works in team, how they contribute to their community, what creative hobbies they’re pursuing, and more.”

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Got it, good to know! Thank you.

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