Letter of Rec Advice?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

ArtMajor

Full Member
5+ Year Member
7+ Year Member
Joined
Sep 13, 2016
Messages
49
Reaction score
11
So I have 4 of my letters pretty nailed down at this point (got 3 professors that know me well.. 2 science 1 non, + a PI/doc) but for a last one I thinking of using the parent of the kid that I have been volunteering with through Big Brothers Big Sisters. She seemed to enthusiastic to write one, and I think she could highlight my inter/intrapersonal competencies well with examples.​

How does this look to adcoms though? Is having a letter from someone like this parent frowned upon?

Thanks.
 
It's a bit like getting a letter from a patient. The appearance of coercion is difficult to avoid.
So should I not ask for one, even if I may be lacking in these competencies without it?
 
No one will believe it from this source. She is thankful to you for helping her child. She would praise you no matter what.
Ok well if I don't really have anyone else I could ask, do you think I should leave this one out or include it anyway. Would being less believable be better than nothing?
 
Ok well if I don't really have anyone else I could ask, do you think I should leave this one out or include it anyway. Would being less believable be better than nothing?
The potential appearance of coercion is not worth the risk.
 
Top