Letter of Rec Advice?

[ArtMajor]

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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.

 

[gyngyn]

It's a bit like getting a letter from a patient. The appearance of coercion is difficult to avoid.

 

[ArtMajor]

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?

 

[gyngyn]

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.

 

[ArtMajor]

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?

 

[gyngyn]

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.