Is getting a rec from a person like this acceptable?

JBStillFlying
Sun, 29 Oct 2017 19:21:35 +0000

This opportunity likely qualifies as a supplemental rec. letter from teacher, employer, coach etc. If the activist/superior is a UChicago alum or has some other important connection to the university then it might even help the application, otherwise it’ll only help if OP believes it’s a crucial piece of the picture. But it’s likely not going to hurt and if OP was passionate about this project and the rec. will be enthusiastic then it makes sense to add it to the others. While no one knows the political affiliations of the reader(s), the same uncertainty would also hold if OP, instead, wrote about a political activity he/she was involved in and crazy about for the essay component. Or for that matter, a religious activity. But if it’s important to you, would you hold back because of what others might think? That doesn’t sound very “UChicago”.