<p>Would it be a bad idea to submit a peer recommendation with my application? I think that the peer rec is a great idea for college apps, as it reveals a new side of the applicant. I truly believe that a peer rec would make my application better. Would it be a bad idea to send this to Tufts (and possibly other schools that I'm applying to?)? I don't want them to be offended that I'm sending something that is clearly part of a Dartmouth app and nor do I want to inundate them with extra stuff (although this is the only thing I'd send that isn't req'd). And if I do end up doing this, I was thinking of having her write a little bit about why she thinks I should go to Tufts (so that it's not just some generic letter).</p>
<p>Any advice? Is this just a really bad idea?</p>
<p>I'm basically just anticipating Dan talking me out of this. I just love the idea of the peer rec (even though I'm well aware of its pitfalls), and I really trust my friend's writing (even though colleges don't know that they can trust her as well).</p>
<p>[Yes, I've asked this a few times before (elsewhere)... I'm just looking for more responses!]</p>
<p>I wouldn't recommend it, but if you really felt it was compelling, do what you think you gotta do. I don't think it will get you rejected if you would otherwise be accepted; on the other hand, I wouldn't want you to have second thoughts if things don't go your way.</p>
<p>If I were to end up sending one in (which at this point I'm thinking I probably won't... but I've changed my mind so many times), would it be okay if the peer sent it in on her own? Or would it have to go in with my transcript, etc. that my GC sends in?</p>
<p>Have the peer send it. You don't want it to look like you have read it, or had any influence over what the person said. Having the peer send it looks like this person took the time to write something and really wanted it to have an impact on the application (which I am sure is true). It is more sincere.</p>
<p>My advice for everything supplemental is: think critically about what purpose that piece would play. </p>
<p>You never, ever want us to read something and think, "What was the point of that?" Those kinds of thoughts are toxic to an application, especially when we're reading pieces that weren't requested. I'm always happy to have enlightening information from an application, regardless of from where that information stems, but thick files take longer to read. And you want us to make it through your application as fast as we can - really, you do.</p>
<p>The quicker I can read everything, the higher a percentage of information I can retain once I'm done with the file and I need to synthesize my impression of you. Thoughts like, "Why did I read that?" get in the way and dilute your app. If you are certain I will acquire a new and powerful depth from a supplement piece, then you should send it. </p>
<p>But its unusual (not rare, just unusual), to find that in supplemental recs.</p>
<p>Thank you so much, Dan. I truly appreciate it.</p>
<p>I think the rec offers a great glimpse of me outside of the classroom. I probably won't include it, but I'm still not sure. I'm just worried about whether people trust peer recs or not, seeing as how they don't know anything about the writer. </p>
<p>I'm wondering if I should send less instead of an optional essay, so as to keep my file short and sweet. Gah, I'm still contemplating things.</p>
<p>So I've decided not to send it in. Finally dawned on me that sending in a 900-word peer rec (yeah, took me a while to realize it was that long) probably isn't the best idea (even if my whole family thinks it's stellar and I should). I just have to have more confidence in my supplement! </p>
<p>Thanks again for all of the advice everyone. I really do greatly appreciate it.</p>