I have a question about college recommendations....?

Question

I want to go to Loyola University in Chicago.

My first question is, the application says to get your highschool counsler's recommendation....does that mean that i can't get a teacher's?

Also, a senior i knew last year got her recommendation done but the teacher she got it from typed it up and all that, but for most applications i've looked at they ask you to write everything on their lines...so how does that work?

Lastly, is it okay if i want to get recommendations from several of the teachers i've had and then compare and see which one i like?

Answer 1

First of all, if they specify a counselor, you need to get a counselor. If they allow additional, unspecified recommendations, you can ask a teacher too. If they give you a choice, you can do whichever you prefer, but when a school asks for a particular piece of information, don't vary from that; it can only hurt you.

As far as the recommendation forms, I'm a university faculty member and have been writing letters of recommendation for decades. In most cases, I can write a single letter and attach a copy (or at worst make a few changes to it) to the form, sign the form, and I'm okay. If they ask very specific questions, I have to get those typed onto the form (which is getting to be a hassle now that I only know of one person on campus who owns a working typewriter!).

Finally, no, you can't preview the recommendations and use only the ones you want. In general, the letters must be given to you in sealed envelopes on which they have put their signature across the flap to prove that no one has opened it. In some, they have to send the letters in directly, bypassing you. Basically, you don't have the right to see your recommendations. If they want to give you a copy or show the letters to you they can, but they don't have to and you shouldn't ask. This is to make sure that the writers were not pressured into writing anything which wasn't true, and to avoid your being able to send them only the best letters (that kind of invalidates the whole process).

Answer 2

The main theme here is "Generally, it's best to stick with the rules if they're explicit."

1. I suggest getting the recommendation from your counselor.

2. Typing recommendations works in many cases, but when they specify that you need to put them on the lines, then go with that. If no recommendation form is provided, then you have no choice but to use a typed one.

3. Yes, usually. Sometimes they are supposed to seal the letter in an envelope, but if you know the teacher or person well, there shouldn't be a problem asking to look it over first. Pick the ones that you think represent you best. They're writing the recommendations to help you, not to help themselves.

Another general rule is to tell the teacher, counselor, or other person writing the recommendation as soon as possible in advance that you want a recommendation from them. It's basically never too early!

May God bless you.

Answer 3

The main reason they want you to write on their lines is because they want the recommender to write a hand-written personal account rather than going over to a file cabinet and pulling out an already prepared letter and typing your name at the top of it.

Most colleges want you to have the recommender seal the letters in an envelop so that you can't see what they write.

Answer 4

Most universities will ask for recommendations to be sent privately so they get honest answers. You are to give the form and a stamped envelope to the person recommending you. The reason they ask specifically for a counselor is they have your entire academic history at hand. They know any sane person is going to ask teachers they LIKE and who have liked them for recommendations which may or may not be accurate.

Answer 5

Recs from teachers are fine.

You have to give the teachers the form. They will use it and send the rec.

No, you can't compare them. They usually ask you to sign that you have not seen them. What you are suggesting is unethical and not a good idea. Do not ask your teachers to do something unethical as this will jeapordize your recs. But don't worry- ask teachers you trust and that you know well. Teachers expect to be asked, if you have a good relationship and they say yes, the rec will be great.