<p>Alright, I’m applying to Earlham College, and so far it’s my number one choice as a school. Would I be better off getting a letter of recommendation from an alumni of that school that now has a doctorate in her field, or the director of the Nature Preserve that I’ve led a volunteering group at? Both letters would be stunning, and I can’t use both, because the best would be from my high school band director. My major will be in Environmental Science.</p>
<p>Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>If your major is Environmental Science then I would recommend you get a recommendation from the director of the Nature Preserve. The letter of recommendation from an alumni may be considered more heavily (in favor) however, the director of the Nature Preserve can put your passion more in perspective.</p>
<p>I think that the nature preserve supervisor would be the best one to use because that person probably knows you well, and could highlight your interest in service and environmental science. CHaracter, interest in service, are both important to Earlham, so that recommendation could be very helpful.</p>
<p>Why not use your nature preserve supervisor and your band director as the main recommenders, and submit the alumni one as an extra? I know some present and former students at Earlham, and my younger S also considered it. I’ve been impressed at how Earlham takes the time to evaluate applicants individually. I think that having the extra recc from the alum would help you as I believe it would be considered.</p>
<p>Use the recommendation from the person who knows you best. You want them to be able to write you a personal letter, not just a generic one.</p>