So, there I was, drooling over the MIT application when ...

kcastelle
Wed, 16 Aug 2006 00:05:26 +0000

Anything you do that might reasonably make an admissions officer doubt it’s validity is bad. Whether they statistically care or not, I wouldn’t want them to ever think, “I wonder if this kid honestly had to go back 4 years to find someone who thought highly of him/her.” It’s just not good to give the adcom any reason to doubt what should be a very positive part of your application. I mean… you get to pick the person who likes you best of ALL your teachers! Cool! Its like getting to pick just one grade to show them. It’ll sound a little dodgy if you tell them about your A in Gym class.
That said, if you feel your Bio teacher can comment on the recent things you’ve done or has seen qualities in you that other teachers haven’t, go for it. But if you’re picking between multiple teachers and all else is equal, go for the one who had you more recently.