<p>In Michele Hernandez’s “Acing the College Application” she specifically states that a clergy recommendation saying how nice the applicant is carries no weight in the application.
However…</p>
<p>At my daughter’s confirmation a couple of years ago, the senior rabbi made a point to come up to us to tell us that she’s the top student he’s had in recent memory. She’s since become “the chosen” teen at the synagogue, becoming VP, then president of their active youth group. The junior rabbi, who is the group’s advisor is similarly enamored of my D and actually calls her for advice on the direction of the group. D has also received a scholarship from the temple to attend a month long summer Jewish leadership camp. This is a fun,worthwhile EC for her, not a career or major path.</p>
<p>So, in this case, would it be worthwhile to include a recommendation letter from one of the rabbis?</p>
<p>She has obviously demostrated leadership in the temple, and I’m sure that would reflect favorably with admissions counselors. Worst case scenario according to you: the rec does absolutely nothing. Go for it!</p>
<p>Yep, I’d agree. There’s quite a difference between a generic “she’s a nice student” and specifics about leadership or service whether by clergy, alumni or any other recommender.</p>
<p>She was probably a strong presenter in Hebrew as well, which shows academic promise, as does showing a firm grasp of the scripture’s meaning and historical context when she prepared her selections of material for her bat mitzvah. Sounds like she really had something special in her understanding, and that the Rabbi’s praise was quite specific and sincere. I think this is a great source for a reference. Sometimes schools accept that third reference and this sounds like a valuable Extra reference to me. Perhaps she has something to offer her college community in this vein…highly likely that her leadership would be valued.</p>