Can a recommendation from an IB coordinator replace GC recs?

Applying to College
1

<p>just wondering cause I feel she knows me better than the counselor. If not then i guess I’ll just have to start talking to the counselor</p>

2

<p>bump(10char)</p>

3

<p>Colleges ask for GC rec because they provide objective data from your school (courses available, %of students eligible for reduced fee lunches (shows poverty level), % of students going to 4-yr colleges, % students who graduate your HS in 4 years). Unless your IB coordinator can supply these, your file will be missing serious information.</p>

4

<p>k I just hope my GC knows to include stuff like that^</p>

5

<p>I think it’s routine for my IB coordinator to write recs as opposed to the GC (even though the GC is IB-only as well). Both can give an accurate account of the school in most cases, so choose whichever will give you a more accurate and flattering rec. However, while I don’t forsee any problems, you might want to check with a school or two that you want to apply to, just to make sure it’s alright.</p>

6

<p>Colleges actually don’t ask for a “guidance counselor recommendation.” They ask for a “School Report/Recommendation.” It can be completed by any school official who knows you well, including the principal, an AVID coordinator, or an IB Coordinator. </p>

<p>That said, before rushing off to ask the IB coordinator, I’d suggest you discuss this first with your guidance counselor. Explain your reasons for doing so, and be open to the possibility of he/she talking with your IB coordinator to get their input on your recommendation. Also, if you do use your IB Coordinator, make sure to keep your guidance counselor in the loop. There are instances when colleges will call the “guidance office” for additional information or missing application parts. If your guidance counselor has no idea where you’ve applied, they won’t be able to effectively answer those calls.</p>

<p>You’ll also want to be sure that your IB coordinator gets the updated School Profile from your guidance office to include with your recommendation. High Schools include the Profile to give colleges information about your high school. As already mentioned, your IB coordinator can also get the ranking (if you school ranks), and other general information necessary for the form from your counseling office. No sweat.</p>

7

<p>Check to see exactly how your school does it. At my son’s IB program, the GC writes a letter AND the IB coordinator sends a program-specific letter with scores, etc. It all goes together with the school report.</p>