Who to get recs from?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Chicago ✅
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<p>Please help me decide which humanities teacher should I ask to do my rec humanities rec?</p>

<p>Here is the list of people I was thinking of-</p>

<p>English teacher- pros- good writer, knows me well, I did really good in his class , I've won writing contests this year / cons- I don't plan on majoring in English, many people submit recs from Eng teachers probably</p>

<p>Anthropology Teacher- pros- did best out of the class in his class, knows me well, we joke a lot and have, of all things, random anthropology inside jokes, I plan on majoring in Anthro. / cons- I'm friends with his son so he is kinda a family friend</p>

<p>US Hist teacher- pros- did good in his class, he knows me well / cons- don't plan on majoring in USH</p>

<p>Here is who is doing my sci rec.-</p>

<p>Chem teacher- did really good in his class, would present a different math/sci side of me, I really do like chem and we talk about it outside of class sometimes / cons- has never seen my writing, doesn't know me on such a personal level, I just skipped his class today...</p>

<p>And I would also like to submit a supplemental rec. (or two) from:</p>

<p>The building principal- pros- knows me super well, would be able to accentuate my leadership ability and leadership ECs, has written me a rec before and called me the "most outstanding young man he has had through in years" / cons- none (basically I'm def. gonna ask him)</p>

<p>My priest- pros- Has known me since I was 5ish, friend of the family, has seen me go from a little kid to an alter server to a lector and eucharistic minister, I am very active in my parish, would be able to bring out another facet of my person / cons- has had me in confession... lol, two supplementals might be overkill.</p>

<p>Thanks to anyone who read this and I would love input on who to ask for my humanities teacher rec. and weather the two sup. recs. would be beneficial or just **** off adcoms!</p>

<p>PS- When will the new apps be out, I can't wait!</p>

2

<p>Supplemental recommendation letters should only be used in cases where the individual can add something new and important to what the other teachers said. If this is true, send the supplemental letter. If not, don't. </p>

<p>There is no "con" to not majoring in the subject, particularly since the Chicago application does not ask for applicants to put down a major. There is also no "con" to the fact that other students ask the same subject teacher for letters. The important thing is what the letter says about you. The subject (besides the humanities and math/science distinction) does not matter, though you should try to choose a teacher from a demanding course, in my opinion.</p>

<p>If you can, request your recommendations this summer, so that your teachers can work on them this summer before the school year starts. That way, each teacher will have you fresh in their mind and will have more time to thoughtfully write a recommendation.</p>

<p>Finally, I really hate to point this out, but I can't help myself: Good is an adjective that modifies nouns; well is an adverb that modifies verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. </p>

<p>Examples:
"I am a good writer." Good is the proper term since it modifies the noun writer.
"I write well." Well is the proper term since it modifies the verb to write.</p>

3

<p>OK, sorry about the grammar.</p>

<p>"There is no "con" to not majoring in the subject, particularly since the Chicago application does not ask for applicants to put down a major. There is also no "con" to the fact that other students ask the same subject teacher for letters. The important thing is what the letter says about you."</p>

<p>The thing is I go to a really small school and the letters would probably say about the same thing. You don't think it would be a bonus getting a rec from a teacher in a subject like anthro. that I am passionate about, plan on continuing, and would probably be unique?</p>

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<p>You don't have to plan on majoring in the subject to get a rec from the teacher. I got my recs from AP USH, Chem, and Math while I plan to go into biology. They want to see you as a well rounded person, a person perfect for the liberal arts education of UChicago. Send in each rec to show a different side of you. If you can- send in something for the sup materials. I sent in some of my artwork and told them how much it has impacted my life and what it means to me in a 300word paragraph and a few sentences on the back of each. If you have anything- website, artwork, so on.. send it in!</p>

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<p>Don't be sorry about the grammar. I just had to point it out. :)</p>

<p>I think it's always good if your recommender can talk about your curiosity, interest, etc., since those are important values at the U of C. Other teachers can probably express the same thing, though. If you want to use your anthro teacher, then definitely do it, but there's nothing wrong with choosing an English teacher if you're not a potential English major, either.</p>

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<p>I got a rec from my math teacher and have yet to take a math class here.</p>

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<p>If you provide your teachers with your hs resume ("brag sheet" - hate that term), that will give them a bit more background on you as a person. You can also TALK to them - its good to line up your rec's early, but you do have a bit of time for communication to occur!</p>

<p>If you are lucky, you might have a recommender who is also a club mentor. For examle, my son's AP English teacher was also his drama coach - so he got 'double duty' on that one.</p>

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<p>lol teehee @ corranged's grammar nazi-ness</p>

<p>To the OP: I'd say go for the anthro rec if he/she can add a "new dimension" to you as an applicant. The fact that you plan to pursue anthro and the rec is from an anthro teacher is just a bonus. =)</p>