A student has one of her two primary teacher recommendations chosen - a teacher who has had her for four years and will write that she was the strongest student during that time.
The second recommendation comes down to one of two choices:
1) A teacher of an AP subject who is a graduate of the student’s first (ED) choice, and then went on to get a doctorate at HYP. This well known, challenging, “No 'A’s given” teacher will write a good recommendation but the student cannot be certain the teacher will write “one of my best students ever”. Student got a B+ in the class which was the highest grade given.
2) A teacher of a second AP class who clearly thinks the student is one of the best they have ever had but has no connection to any of the schools she is applying to and has no Ph. D.
Thoughts?
(Please add any additional opinions on if adcoms prefer recommendations from teachers who attended said school, or if the academic prestige would add to the gravitas.)
The teacher that thinks the student is one of the best ever should be the recommender. The prof in scenario 1 will not get the student into the college.
I would ask the guidance counselor on which writer includes the most meaningful anecdotes. GCs know who are the best rec letter writers. I think it’s a toss up, to be frank – one which the GC could shed good light upon
The purpose of the recommendation is for the admission officers to gain additional insight into the applicant. The credentials of the person writing the recommendation are not important. Choose the teacher who can write the best, most personal recommendation which sounds like Option 2.
Thanks, this is all good advice, and consistent with what I suspected (and now believe!). Much appreciated.
And @T26E4 , thank you, the guidance counselor will be consulted as he knows the recommendations both these teachers have written prior, and can speak to them off the record also!