It is strongly recommended that you waive the right to see your letters, which gives the colleges more confidence that they were candid.

Anonymous wrote:Do not consider anything in the college application process that's merely recommended or "not required" as truly optional. Assuming they're good, send them any way.

You won't really know though (unless the teacher shares a copy with the student). My kids' teachers generally did not as a matter of practice.

Do not consider anything in the college application process that's merely recommended or "not required" as truly optional. Assuming they're good, send them any way.

Naviance makes the process very easy.

Oh, and you won't see them anyway. The schools submit them directly.

If the school accepts them, send them. Which teacher you select depends much more on your relationship with that teacher and demonstrated work ethic in their class than it does on the subject of the class. Hopefully the letter will describe the student's work ethic, how they overcome challenges, their roles in the school community, interaction with peers, etc. Whether that's in a physics class or a humanities class doesn't really matter.

"How 'generic' they are depends on your child, and their relationship with the teacher."

I would add that it also matters what courses the teacher teaches. Many students feel they have to have a math or physics teacher recommendation to apply for engineering, for example.

It's not a bad idea if you got the second highest grade in physics AND also know the teacher as your JV soccer coach. But if you were the lowest A in the Physics class without ever speaking to the teacher unless she spoke to you, it might be better to use your AP Enviro Sci teacher who you also had for freshman bio AND is the faculty advisor for the theater set crew that you are the assistant for-person.

Anonymous wrote:I am confused by the statements on some school websites about whether letters of recommendation are or are not required to be submitted.

For example, one school DD is considering has the following statement:

"Please note, however, that letters of recommendation are not required. If you do choose to submit them, we will accept one counselor recommendation and one teacher recommendation."

The CDS for this school says that they consider letters of recommendation.

Should we always submit letters of recommendation when offered the opportunity? I assume teachers just prepare a generic letter that can be sent to multiple schools?

Teachers prepare one letter that would go to every school. How 'generic' they are depends on your child, and their relationship with the teacher.

If your child has reason to believe they will be strong / positive, they should absolutely submit when given the opportunity.

I am confused by the statements on some school websites about whether letters of recommendation are or are not required to be submitted.

For example, one school DD is considering has the following statement:

"Please note, however, that letters of recommendation are not required. If you do choose to submit them, we will accept one counselor recommendation and one teacher recommendation."

The CDS for this school says that they consider letters of recommendation.

Should we always submit letters of recommendation when offered the opportunity? I assume teachers just prepare a generic letter that can be sent to multiple schools?