guys idk my school counsellor, ive never talked to her and she doesnt know who i am either. can i get a teacher rec and submit it as a counsellor rec instead?
Many students don’t know their guid counselors – this isn’t uncommon. This isn’t an issue. Penn and every other college you apply to will understand. Your guid counselor MUST submit official school docs (school report, transcript and brief narrative (recommendation if you will)). Another teacher rec does not substitute for that.
No.
@T26E4 is absolutely correct.
You can help your counselor (and teachers also) by giving them your resume from high school years.
Achievements and awards, volunteer service hours, family or personal issues or hardships that you have endured, etc.
This cheat sheet will help your counselor put your academic record into perspective. Counselor can mention you were out with mono for 5 weeks in 10th grade, or you were primarily caregiver for younger siblings while your parents worked second shift, or you worked 20 hours every week to help subsidize your family income. Maybe you struggled with anxiety or lost a parent to cancer. These things can affect your grades and your ability to join clubs or sports.
A decent counselor can use your cheat sheet to help frame their letter of recommendation, even if they don’t know you.