<p>How much does a generic letter of recommendation hurt on college applications (say for the Ivies)? Do stellar recommendations help a lot or do they just break ties between similar applicants? Teachers are always so busy and letters just seem like the most out-of-your-control thing… Just another how much does this matter question so thanks for any responses…</p>
<p>I searched for this but couldn’t find my answer, so sorry if there’s already a thread.</p>
<p>A generic good recommendation is what most applicants will end up getting, which will not hurt them, but really won’t help them…Getting a glowing recommendation from a teacher can definitely help you though. My cousin got into Stanford and when his father asked a rep why he got in at Parents Admit Weekend or something, the rep said recommendations that stick out or are exceptional and good essays really help determine who, out of the many bright applicants is accepted. So to answer your question stellar teacher recommendations can really help you out (provided you have good grades, stats, etc.), because they can separate you from the pack. If you think you’re recommendations will only be good and not stellar, don’t worry just focus on other subjective parts of your app, like essays.</p>
<p>That helps a lot, thank you!</p>