Hi all — I’m applying to several top 30 engineering schools this fall (like Cornell, Georgia Tech, UMich, Purdue, etc.), and I’m trying to decide which teacher to ask for my second letter of recommendation.
I already have one from my junior-year AP Lang teacher, but for my second rec, I’m stuck between:
My 9th grade Algebra 2 teacher, who I had a strong relationship with and who saw me explore engineering early on — we had lots of conversations after class and she really saw my passion.
My 11th grade AP Calc AB teacher, who I did well with, but I didn’t have much of a personal connection.
Would submitting a freshman-year teacher rec (even if it’s personal and detailed) be seen as a negative at top engineering schools? Or is a meaningful connection more important than the year they taught me?
When are you planning to submit your applications to these schools?
Unless you are applying very early, there should be enough time in the beginning of senior year to develop a strong relationship with a teacher. My son’s strongest recommendation for engineering programs was from his senior year AP Physics C teacher.
I am not a professional (unlike many here)… but I believe that 9th grade is too distant in time to work well for an application (and 10th grade is borderline). I would see it differently if you had a continuing connection with the 9th grade teacher, such as helping as an assistant in their classroom.
While I don’t have an answer for your specific question, it’s important to note that not all T20 engineering schools even require letters of recommendation. UIUC does not accept them and the UC schools also do not, although I think Berkeley may request some at a later date in certain cases.
IMO a freshman year teacher LOR is not a great idea – I expect you have grown as a student and covered more challenging academic material over the last couple of years.
I would say that the relationship with the teacher is by far the most important thing for this letter. The solution is to establish a senior year official connection to your algebra teacher, e.g. TA in one of her classes, or do an independent study, or join/lead a club that she advises. Then you have a 9-12 connection with her instead.
Unless - if your junior year math teacher is ALSO your senior year math teacher, that would win out as a connection.
p.s. If you apply early to Cornell, and get deferred, make sure you get an additional LOR sent from your senior-year AP Physics teacher that aligns with all the core values of Cornell’s program and talks about how you meet them, to send as part of your continued demonstrated interest. These letters work a lot of the time, in my professional and personal experience.
I agree. First off apply early action to all schools. AP physics rec is the way to go. Be aware Michigan has ED this year and a new engineering /business program.
It’s also very important to know that some of the best engineering programs in the nation aren’t considered “top 20.” They don’t offer PhDs, so they aren’t ranked with that cohort. You could unintentionally overlook possible amazing experiences at schools like Harvey Mudd, Olin, Cal Poly, Rose Hulman, even the military academies if you focus only on a specious list.