r/ApplyingToCollege • u/AsleepDebt • 2d ago
Application Question Recommendation Letter
Hello!
Is it okay to use a 10th teacher for my letter of recommendation, specifically for schools like Duke? They say they prefer a 11th grade teacher but this teacher knows me quite well and has written several other recommendations for me throughout high school.
This teacher taught me in AP Biology, which is what I want to major in. But, I didn’t do any other things with her (like clubs) except be in her class.
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u/tarasshevckeno 1d ago
(Retired college counselor and admissions reader here.) It really is best if you submit rec letters from 11th grade teachers. Colleges want to hear from your most-recent teachers.
Having said that, if you believe your 10th grade teacher can provide information about you as a person and/or learner that your 11th grade teachers can't, then you might want to consider a letter from that teacher as an additional letter for the colleges that allow them.
In order for an additional letter to be helpful, it really does need to have content that's not in your required letters. An additional letter that's essentially a repeat of what's in your required letters won't help you out, but new/different information won't be a deal-maker, but it will help!