Who can write recs?

<p>As of now, Barnard is my top choice school. Being only a rising junior, I know that isn’t saying a whole lot, but that isn’t the point.</p>

<p>Can anyone write recs for me? My mother was premed Barnard for four years, now a rheumatologist, and I was wondering if she, being my mother and all, could write a rec, and if it’d be worth it. My uncle, who I was planning on getting a rec from anyway, went to and now teaches at Columbia. The two being fairly intelligent people, would it be a good idea for me to get recs from them?</p>

<p>IMHO, your mom should NOTwrite one. Your uncle, maybe (as an addendum to your application). The recs required for your application are very specific, requiring them to be from teachers, and even what years they taught you. I believe Barnard specified only Junior and Senior year teachers. It might be helpful to keep that in mind this year and even ask one at the end of this year....</p>

<p>Thanks. The idea of having my mother write a rec had never really occured to me before, and it seems a little stupid now for thinking she'd be able to.</p>

<p>Also - I have a fabulous relationship with my band director (we talk online, I babysit his kids, he calls me when I'm sick to make sure I'm okay). I had him my first two years of high school, and due to scheduling problems, will be moved into the other high school band, directed by someone else. I don't see my relationship with the former dying at all in at least the next five years. I still plan to play in the pit orchestra for the middle school (as I have been doing since my freshman year), which is directed by my band director, and he's also the supervisor of Tri-M (music honors society) in my school. If I can't get him again as a band director my senior year, will I not be allowed to have him write me a rec, even though I'll still see him fairly often?</p>

<p>...And what about guidance counselors?</p>