<p>Can a very general rec letter hurt you? or do colleges understand that some teachers are just lazy?
Also, how much can your GC rec letter help you if it’s really good?</p>
<p>A general letter shouldn’t hurt you but it won’t add anything to your app. I don’t think colleges would agree with that second statement either. GC recs can absolutely help you, especially since they can explain extenuating circumstances. However, GC recs are generally weighed less than teacher recs since they generally don’t know you that well.</p>
<p>I think it will hurt you as it is taking the space of a good rec letter. You have the responsibility to find a good tteacher for your reco - don’t ask a teacher who you feel may not do you justice</p>
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I wouldn’t count on that. It could be that they try to read between the lines, thinking that a teacher with nothing noteworthy to say is intentionally trying to send them a message about that student.</p>