Who are good people to get LoR's from?

[David Wilson]

Hi, I am in the process of filling out my app, and need some letters of recommendation, I know a lot of people who could write me nice ones, I am simply curious if there are kinds of people (academic course teachers, principals, extra curricular supervisors) who carry more weight?

Thanks.

[Bryan Dougherty]

One needs to be from a teacher or Counselor--the other from someone who is articulate and is going to say good things about you. That would actually also be good criteria for the first letter as well. Both can be from a teacher or counselor if you want. If not a teacher, someone who has observed you in a supervisory (job supervisor, coach, youth leader, etc.) role is usually a little better. Also, a math or science teacher looks good if you are going to be an engineer. The most important criteria though, let me reiterate, is that they are going to say good things about you and say them well.

[Rachel Lindsay]

Hey David,
I was just recently accepted, and when I applied I sent in 6 letters of recommendation; one from my high school math teacher, one from my current college history professor, one from my counselor, two from my co-workers, and one from my boss/supervisor. I know they only require two, but I thought, why not go above and beyond...it worked for me :)
Hope this helped.

Rachel

[Samantha Kingston]

When i applied i had the head of the engineering department at my school who i also had as a teacher for many courses and am close to since she is the head of the engineering club in which i participate in write me a letter because not only did her title of being the head of the engineering department look nice (im an mechanical engineering major) but she also knew me not only as a student but on a personal level as well so she could not only explain my strengths as a student but also my strengths as an individual. My second letter was from a chemistry teacher that i had for a year straight and also knew on somewhat of a more personal level. Also when asking for letters think about who you are asking and what they know about you, and what they might not. Although it might look good to have a high up math teacher write you a letter if he dosnt know you well enough it may be difficult for him to write a deatiled letter and it might be a better idea to get one from someone else like a history teacher or whoever who truly knows you and your academic achievements as well as your personal dedication or goals and so on! Good luck!

~Samantha Kingston
Transfer student for fall 2009