<p>As I was finishing up my Dartmouth application, I noticed they want four letters of recommendation (2 teacher, 1 counselor, 1 other). I only have the teacher and counselor letters of recommendation -- no other additional rec. Is it necessary that I send the additional rec in? If so, should it be from a peer?</p>
<p>the additional recommendation is a peer rec. Get a friend to write you peer recommendation</p>
<p>The additional rec is necessary - you shouldn’t be allowed to submit without assigning it to someone. As sybbie said, it’s typically utilized as a peer recommendation, so find someone who know you well academically and outside of school to write you a good rec! The most important thing is to find someone who can write really well.</p>
<p>Yep, it’s necessary. It’s allowed to be whoever you’d consider a peer, though, so someone roughly your age. Since it’s sort of late notice at this point, I might recommend you track down a sibling or best friend who wouldn’t mind whipping something nice together quickly :)</p>
<p>I agree with Bingo77 – time is of the essence. Once you have “assigned” the peer recommender within the application system, you can submit your app. The peer recommendation itself does not have to be in by the exact app deadline but you still want it to come in within a week or so… I don’t think the person has to necessarily be a phenomenal writer, it just needs to be someone who can capture some part of you in words, whether through humor or honesty.</p>
<p>Nothing is really “optional” when it comes to college applications. Send it in.</p>
<p><em>panic</em> I did not know either that I am required to have a peer recommendation. I did assign an additional recommendation but labeled it “other”. Will that still count? I already submitted my Commonapp.</p>
<p>I would contact Dartmouth about that since you have a unique case. I know that, traditionally, they prefer someone who you consider as a peer whether simply within your school or someone you age who knows you really darn well. I’m sure the Other recommender will factor in, but I’m not sure it’ll qualify as what Dartmouth asked for - definitely call the admissions office!</p>
<p>I asked my hostdad (I am an international student and was an exchange student in the US), he is about ten years older than I am. I will email them right away and ask. Thanks!</p>