<p>I recently learned that a letter of recommendation from my AP Music Theory teacher is not sufficient as AP Music Theory is not considered an “academic” subject, despite music being recognized by the US Congress as a rigorous academic subject. I now have to ask another teacher to write my second letter of recommendation. I plan on submitting my applications by early December; however, if the second letter of recommendation is not completed and submitted by then, will it hurt my chances? What if the letter is not sent until the January 1st deadline? When are applications reviewed? I am talking specifically about the Ivies, Duke, Tufts, Northwestern, and Johns Hopkins. Thank you.</p>
<p>The comment about Congress has a lot of snark in it; it should be obvious what they mean by academic subject (it usually also has the word core in front).</p>
<p>I doubt it, but American just sent me an email saying “Your application has a time stamp and we like to see punctual people.” Maybe that just means before the deadline, but it’s not like they would accept after it anyway to warrant that comment.</p>
<p>Stop being so rude and mean, CHIHSIS. This writer has a reasonable question, and just because you may be more informed about the college app process, doesn’t mean you should put down someone else. To Dude0521, you mentioned that you want to get everything off by Dec.1, but you did not mention your due date. Is it the usual RD due date of Jan. 1? If you get on asking a new teacher right away, I bet he/she will do it by then (likely by Dec. 1). Do politely mention when you would like to get everything in. Good luck!</p>
<p>Well I mean considering the teacher evaluation form for the Common App says on top what academic classes are, and this person is trying to get into the IVY LEAGUE.</p>
<p>For reference, from the CA Teacher Evaluation form:</p>
<p><a href=“https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/Docs/DownloadForms/2013/2013TeacherEval1_download.pdf[/url]”>https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/Docs/DownloadForms/2013/2013TeacherEval1_download.pdf</a></p>
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<p>Generally colleges give some leeway on LORs since they know they are somewhat out of the control of the applicant. But I agree with jenn that if asked now, a Jan 1 deadline should be doable.</p>
<p>If they use Naviance at that high school, the turn-around is pretty fast since it is all electronic.</p>
<p>jennieling, thank you for the response! The deadline is January 1st for most of the schools, if not later. I was planning on mentioning to the teacher when I want to have the application in, so I will definitely go through with that. Also, don’t worry about CSIHSIS…Ivies reject people with that kind of attitude.</p>
<p>entomom, it says “for example” so that’s what caused my confusion. I do plan on at least submitting the letter from my AP Theory teacher as an extra one as long as the given college encourages that. thanks!</p>
<p>Pomona allows AP Music Theory as an academic subject for letters.
[Frequently</a> Asked Questions - Pomona College](<a href=“http://www.pomona.edu/admissions/apply/frequently-asked-questions.aspx]Frequently”>http://www.pomona.edu/admissions/apply/frequently-asked-questions.aspx)</p>
<p>We received official permission from U Chicago to use AP Music Theory teacher (who is also the band teacher, so letter doubles for music rec letter for other places.)</p>
<p>I don’t know about the Ivies, but some places allow it. You can call specific schools and ask.</p>
<p>I’m in AP Music Theory, and it should definitely count! It seems like a difficult, academic class to me. Sorry about that!</p>
<p>pandamic, right?! It teaches some pretty advanced skills. It’s not calculus, but I’d say it develops more skills than studying for a US History exam does…</p>
<p>My S had a music teacher do one of his letters of recommendation last year. He did not take music theory, but he had taken 7 classes from the teacher, had significant participation and leadership in teacher-sponsored activities, and felt that particular teacher knew him best. </p>
<p>There were also issues with some of the other potential academic subject teacher recommendations – school district had dealt with budget shortfalls by offering retirement incentives and many of his former teachers had left at the end of his sophomore and junior years. His AP English Literature teacher would only write letters for students she had also taught for Sophomore Honors English, and he had been assigned a different Sophomore Honors English teacher (who didn’t teach AP English Literature). His junior AP English Language teacher suffered a stroke.</p>
<p>We called the school he was applying to ED and asked ahead of time if given the circumstances they would accept a letter from his music teacher, and they agreed (other teacher recommendation came from AP US History teacher).</p>
<p>Fortunately S was accepted ED at a highly ranked LAC. He does not plan to major in music, but he did submit an arts supplement and is now attending and participating in music at the school.</p>
<p>OP, since you are not applying early decision or early action, if your second letter is submitted in early January it will be fine.</p>