<p>Does USC take recommendations from people who are NOT teachers or counselors? I did an eagle project for a principal of a school and want to ask her for a letter of rec. Is this okay or no?</p>
<p>Yes it's fine. Such a letter won't duplicate what's written in the teacher/gc recs. It can be sent separately by the principal, or given to you sealed and signed across the flap.</p>
<p>I suggest reading what USC says about the number of recommendations. Last year, one recommendation from the GC was sufficient. This year, I read on CC that USC requires two recommendations. My point is, does USC view the non-teacher recommendation as a third recommendation, or does it count as one of the two required recommendations? I suggest you read the fine print carefully on the number/kind of recommendations. If the fine print is unclear, then ask USC admissions.</p>
<p>I asked an admissions counselor last year how many letters applicants generally sent in: she told me some send only 1 and others send 7. It varies. My son sent: the general rec from HS GC (rigor of schedule, etc.), one from the principal regarding EC's/leadership, and one from a teacher (what was he like in the classroom). Send whatever you think you need to send in order for them to get a good look at who you are. I wouldn't have six teachers all addressing the same thing, but, as the OP mentions, there are reasons to send recs from different people who can share different sides of the student. I really think they WANT to find out as much about each applicant as they can and will welcome information as long as it isn't repetitive.</p>