Letter of rec from private tutor?

adambedford · 10-23-2009, 10:42 AM

I had a private tutor for geography for several weeks in order to help me catch up with work I missed due to relocating. I'm thinking about asking the teacher to write me a letter of recommendation - I think it might re-inforce the theme of my essay (overcoming a challenge through persistence ie. catching up with my studies and still excelling)

What do you guys think? If so, how would I go about it...should I just as him to fill out a normal teacher recommendation form?

Thanks in advance

adambedford · 10-25-2009, 08:03 AM

bump........

Batllo · 10-25-2009, 09:51 AM

No. Tainted because you are paying the tutor. Get a teacher from your previous school.

GroovyGeek · 10-25-2009, 10:04 PM

I tend to agree that a letter from someone with financial interest in pleasing you is not going to carry the same weight as a letter from an unbiased observer.

adambedford · 10-26-2009, 04:32 PM

I agree....but I don't have him as a tutor any more. This was back in January. Do you think that makes any difference?

Batllo · 10-26-2009, 04:56 PM

You got our opinions.You will do as you wish but it will be a mistake to think a PAID tutor's LOR is not looked upon with skepticism by the adcom- no matter when payment stopped.

alamemom · 10-26-2009, 06:36 PM

How about a recommendation from the teacher of the class for which you were tutored? That would also carry your theme.

FauxNom · 10-26-2009, 09:08 PM

It's not just the possible conflict of interest. A privately-hired tutor suggests an environment of privilege, and admissions officers are not necessarily going to relate to the situation. I agree about a rec from a teacher being better suited to this process.

adambedford · 10-27-2009, 06:05 AM

OK thank you. Yeah I'm going to submit a letter of rec from my school geography teacher who can vouch for the catch up work I did.