Family / Peer recommendation - Rochester

[Anonymous]

After submitting RD application, DC found that there is a family / peer recommendation option on the application portal. All DC's friends are really busy with their applications and senior workload so DC really doesn't want to ask his friends.

Questions: How important is the family / peer recommendation at Rochester? It's optional.
Has any parent written a recommendation for their DC? How did that go? (the idea of a mom or dad can write a recommendation for their kid is a little strange to me).

TIA

[Anonymous]

My daughter just got this email as well and I think it's a real bait and switch. If she knew she needed to ask someone for a letter she would have asked long before. Now. I'm pretty sure she's not going to do it and if she doesn't get in then she doesn't get in

[Anonymous]

I’d never heard of this before but am curious to hear more! In looking at the info about it, seems like the college takes it pretty seriously and there are some very detailed questions looking for specific info.

https://admissions.enrollment.rochester.edu/register/PeerRecommendation

[Anonymous]

You can also have a coach submit this letter.

[Anonymous]

My student just skipped this and was admitted-I really think it’s an opportunity for students who want to and have the time/a willing letter writer to highlight something not elsewhere in the application (like a summer job boss or something.) I wouldn’t worry about it at all!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’d never heard of this before but am curious to hear more! In looking at the info about it, seems like the college takes it pretty seriously and there are some very detailed questions looking for specific info.

https://admissions.enrollment.rochester.edu/register/PeerRecommendation

Wow. From that link: “Central to the University of Rochester is our comment to Meliora, the idea that each of us, collectively and individually has a part to play in making the world ever better.”

I’m not sure I can take a school seriously when they can’t proofread their website to find the difference between “comment” and “commitment,” and mischaracterize meliora, which is just Latin for “better” or “for the pursuit of better” (it’s the school motto, which they translate as “ever better,” which is fine — but it’s not “the idea that each of us…has a part to play in making the world ever better”).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’d never heard of this before but am curious to hear more! In looking at the info about it, seems like the college takes it pretty seriously and there are some very detailed questions looking for specific info.

https://admissions.enrollment.rochester.edu/register/PeerRecommendation

Dartmouth also does a peer LOR.

[Anonymous]

This is a practice that is generally frowned upon because it favors students whose parents and peers who are familiar with the content of letters of recommendation, and have the time and language skills to do so, i.e., wealthy and well-educated. Coaches and teachers at underserved schools are too busy to write a well developed letter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is a practice that is generally frowned upon because it favors students whose parents and peers who are familiar with the content of letters of recommendation, and have the time and language skills to do so, i.e., wealthy and well-educated. Coaches and teachers at underserved schools are too busy to write a well developed letter.

I agree (but also, that’s why it’s not required and is entirely de-emphasized in the admissions process.)

we visited twice and read a ton because it was a top choice and found only a couple mentions, akin to being able to submit an optional portfolio (for a non art school/art major.) my student didn’t do it and was admitted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’d never heard of this before but am curious to hear more! In looking at the info about it, seems like the college takes it pretty seriously and there are some very detailed questions looking for specific info.

https://admissions.enrollment.rochester.edu/register/PeerRecommendation

Wow. From that link: “Central to the University of Rochester is our comment to Meliora, the idea that each of us, collectively and individually has a part to play in making the world ever better.”

I’m not sure I can take a school seriously when they can’t proofread their website to find the difference between “comment” and “commitment,” and mischaracterize meliora, which is just Latin for “better” or “for the pursuit of better” (it’s the school motto, which they translate as “ever better,” which is fine — but it’s not “the idea that each of us…has a part to play in making the world ever better”).

I’m sure everyone affiliated with the University of Rochester would be broken hearted to hear that you, random DCUM poster, don’t take them seriously.

[Anonymous]

It can totally be a parent. That’s fine!