Those who can evaluate you personally or academically

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I'm still thinking about what LOR's I will need and what would be best to have. I have two science professors and one non-science professor lined up (although they are still not in after requesting several months ago), my PI, and my volunteer coordinator who I know well. However, there are some schools who leave the maximum number of letters accepted quite open, and some who ask for someone who knows you well, or as one states; someone who can evaluate you personally or academically. Does this mean additional professors or does it refer to something like a character reference type letter from an old coach or other person in your past? Have any of you included such letters to schools? Is it a really cheesy thing to do and considered unacceptable? Thanks.

I remember one school saying letters that simply speak to character have little weight (I thought that was odd). I can't remember what school it was though. Anyone have any insight into this?

I think it's good to have a character letter. I was commended in two different interviews on what my orchestra director wrote about me in his letter. Not cheesy and definitely acceptable, although ymmv depending on the school.

An orchestra director from your college is someone in the professorial class. Those letters from academic-types are good when they speak of your deportment, teamwork, class participation (in discussions), and so forth.


Character references from your hometown piano teacher, your youth minister, or the old man whose lawn you mow (even if he is a doctor) are not in the same category.

Originally Posted by no beans

I'm still thinking about what LOR's I will need and what would be best to have. I have two science professors and one non-science professor lined up (although they are still not in after requesting several months ago), my PI, and my volunteer coordinator who I know well. However, there are some schools who leave the maximum number of letters accepted quite open, and some who ask for someone who knows you well, or as one states; someone who can evaluate you personally or academically. Does this mean additional professors or does it refer to something like a character reference type letter from an old coach or other person in your past? Have any of you included such letters to schools? Is it a really cheesy thing to do and considered unacceptable? Thanks.

Whom

Anyway, I think (like LizzyM said) that a letter that also includes a character assesment is a good thing. You don't want a letter that contains only fawning drivel. But if there's a professor whom you know well who can also attest to your character, that's great. I have a very strong letter from my former director.

Thanks so much for the clarification. I was thinking of an old coach who has known me since age 9 and coached me in some manner through high school. He would be a great testament to my work ethic, team player and leadership skills, but it sounds like that would not be appropriate. I will only use that letter for a school who asks for a character reference specifically. That's ok, isn't it? Thanks.

Originally Posted by no beans

Thanks so much for the clarification. I was thinking of an old coach who has known me since age 9 and coached me in some manner through high school. He would be a great testament to my work ethic, team player and leadership skills, but it sounds like that would not be appropriate. I will only use that letter for a school who asks for a character reference specifically. That's ok, isn't it? Thanks.

LizzyM is the master so I defer to her.

But I would say NO, don't use that person. Most of your high school involvement can be disregarded.

You need relevant, esteemed letter-writers. If you have a professor who also knows you very well outside the confines of school, then that's awesome, and s/he can add in an assessment of your character. But I wouldn't recommend "reaching" for a character letter from a figure from your past.

Originally Posted by no beans

Thanks so much for the clarification. I was thinking of an old coach who has known me since age 9 and coached me in some manner through high school. He would be a great testament to my work ethic, team player and leadership skills, but it sounds like that would not be appropriate. I will only use that letter for a school who asks for a character reference specifically. That's ok, isn't it? Thanks.

I would say no to this. If he was your coach in college, it might be different, but I do not think a childhood mentor would be the best letter. Honestly, I think you're in great shape with the five letters you already have. Why do you want more?

Ok, thanks, I got it. However, what about a school that asks for a character reference letter? It says this person can even be a peer? I have known this coach for 13 years and he coached me for 9 of these. We are still friends and he is a mentor of mine. Is this ok?