<p>Too late to do anything about this, but I'm still somewhat worried:</p>
<p>I have two recommendations, one from my Physics teacher and another from my World History / International Relations / PolSci teacher. The Physics teacher is important since my first choice is engineering. </p>
<p>He asked me to proofread his recs (and since most teachers keep them 100% confidential, you can guess that he's not a great writer). He's fond of me and wrote favorably, but it seemed as if there was something lacking in that letter. It has its fair share of "he's very bright" and "intellectually capable" (and the fact that I was the only junior in his AP class) but none of those anecdotes or detailed things that colleges seem to love. Of course, since I was there for proofreading only, I couldn't quite tell him that. So basically, am I screwed? Does Princeton put much weight on teacher recommendations?</p>
<p>I should say that although my other teacher rec may not be in my first choice subject, it is in my second choice one (politics). Also, by the end of this year, I'll have the equivalent of 5 years of classes with him (and my HS only goes from grades 10-12). I'm hoping that gives his recommendation added weight. In addition, he is an exceptional writer and may be fonder of me than the first teacher. He's the person I expect those anecdotes from. He's written his fair share of recommendations and knows his stuff pretty well. </p>
<p>I'm worried, though, that the two recs need to more than just "cancel out". They need to positively reinforce a positive profile. So to repeat, am I shafted?</p>
<p>They won't really give recs "added weight." Yes, they'll consider some more important than another, but I wouldn't think of it as compensating for what others are lacking.</p>
<p>I will say, yes, ideally the physics one would be better, especially since you're applying for that field. However, it really is the whole package, and maybe they'll see your passion for science in another part of the application, and not be concerned. Then again, it's hard to say exactly, but I'm sure your chances are just as good as anyone else's at this level.</p>
<p>If there was still time, and you applied online, you could have handed your Teacher Rec. form 1 or 2 (whichever no. was your Physics teacher's) to another instructor, and on your online app, changed the names of the teachers of whom you have requested recs.</p>
<p>Is it really that important to have a recommendation from a teacher who is associated with your indicated top choice field of interest? I put down chemistry/research...but all of my science teachers are NOT the best writers so I asked others, will that be a problem?</p>
<p>Grumpybear727 I don't think so. When Pton adcoms look at your application they don't say..."So, Prospective Molecular Biology Major #2649's rec letter doesn't indicate a high enough interest in that subject....someone pass me the rejection stamp". What I mean to say is that your intended field of study isn't in stone by any means, and won't have much impact in your decision. They know that a significant number of students change their major, and are simply asking to see what your interests are.</p>