Sort of panicking because my top choice school requires two letters from two core subjects. My other core subject is good, but I’m worried that my PLTW-biomedical science teacher doesn’t count as a core science. Can I just ask my teacher to list as science on the common app?
In our district PLTW is a career and technical course so you’re right it’s not core. I think the program is known well enough that admissions folks will know it’s not core science. You should not ask him/her to put that as it’s unethical and won’t reflect well on either of you.
So unfort., I think the answer is you need to find another core teacher for a rec, but you should ask your school’s guidance counselor. You could also ask the college’s admissions rep for your region to see if they would consider PLTW teacher as a core teacher (but I’m guessing not).
I do realize it’s late to find another teacher for a recommendation, esp. if you’re applying ED. You guidance counselor might be able to help advocate for you with another teacher if you need someone to write another letter.
Others may have different viewpoint on this.
Each district could be different. If the class is listed under the science department in your school’s course catalog AND is taught by a science department teacher, I’d consider it a science class (and your GC could clarify that in their LOR - but no, definitely do not ask anyone to fudge anything). If it is under applied sciences or a miscellaneous department, then no.
Not just a science teacher, but one who actually taught you in a recent STEM class. There’s a question related to that on the Teacher Evaluation form.
If you’re thinking Stanford or NU HPME, or any top bsmd, you need the right STEM teacher. The competition is fierce and the standards high. Make sure you understand what these colleges look for, the right combination of strengths and attributes.
@lookingforward @Groundwork2022 @AlmostThere2018
Thank you for the help! After speaking to my teacher and counselor, they both agree that my teacher is “science” and is the curriculum is core science enough. So I’m very relieved.
Problem is, I already emailed a Stanford rep asking them if it’s fine to submit this teacher’s Rec. Is this bad? What if they say no when if I hadn’t asked them I would’ve been fine? What should I do?
My bet is they answer with “adcom speak.” That is, some vague ‘make your best decision’ answer. IF they even snswer.
You’re ok. Good for you for checking this out.
@gurt567 – I’m glad to here this! I think @lookingforward is right. Admissions officers aren’t looking for reasons to add to students’ stress – esp. from Stanford – unless it’s a glaring thing (which this is def. not) so I think they’ll take this at face value.
Good luck!!!
^ hear. 
@lookingforward @AlmostThere2018
Thanks for being so supportive! The AO got back to me and said this teacher seems like a great choice 