Poorly Written Letter of Rec

[WindandSea]

Just sharing a frustration...After having his math and English teachers submit their letters of rec directly to the various SA's, my son asked if he could have a copy to upload into his nomination applications. The math letter was from his 11th grade math instructor (couldn't use 12 grade because it is an online program with no teacher) and it was really poorly written.

She didn't look at the resume my son had provided and spent the first paragraph (of two) talking about the challenges of being a first year teacher, how many students weren't prepared, how she struggled with discipline, etc. There was no mention of my son until paragraph two. There were several spelling mistakes and run on sentences. Finally, in the last sentence she said my DS was "helpful" and "smart" and got a "A."

I really hope that admissions folks take this as more of a reflection on the teacher than on my son. HIs other letters are glowing

 

[whataluckymom]

I feel your frustration - my DS had one letter of recommendation that was shared with him after it was sent. I can't remember if this was for his nomination applications or for his admissions application. As he was reading it, he noticed that it mentioned extracurricular activities and a leadership position that my son had never held. He had other leadership positions and ECAs, but not the specific ones mentioned in the letter! It was as if the recommender had started with a letter from a previous candidate and didn't edit properly or missed a few things. He pointed out the mistake, and the recommender sent a corrected follow-up letter. He agonized over how that would look. In the end, everything worked out okay because DS is now at the Naval Academy! I think given that the other letters for your son are so positive, he has nothing to worry about. There are so many pieces and parts to the admissions process that one poorly-written letter will not factor that heavily into the overall equation. The admissions teams do a fantastic job of looking at the whole candidate and somehow seem to know who will be a good fit. I know it seems difficult, but remind your son to focus on what he can control with regard to his application, and trust the process for the rest! Best of luck!

 

[Heatherg21]

Just sharing a frustration...After having his math and English teachers submit their letters of rec directly to the various SA's, my son asked if he could have a copy to upload into his nomination applications. The math letter was from his 11th grade math instructor (couldn't use 12 grade because it is an online program with no teacher) and it was really poorly written.

She didn't look at the resume my son had provided and spent the first paragraph (of two) talking about the challenges of being a first year teacher, how many students weren't prepared, how she struggled with discipline, etc. There was no mention of my son until paragraph two. There were several spelling mistakes and run on sentences. Finally, in the last sentence she said my DS was "helpful" and "smart" and got a "A."

I really hope that admissions folks take this as more of a reflection on the teacher than on my son. HIs other letters are glowing

If your son is no longer going to have that teacher as an instructor, I might include the letter and a brief, polite note and send it to the principal. The first time I was asked to write an LOR, I had anxiety for a week trying to make sure I did the student justice. If this is a first-year teacher, there is definitely an opportunity for learning for her. Her admin should be willing to see this as a coachable moment and maybe provide sample letters and or a mentor.

In the big scheme of things, the SA's know that not all letters are created equal and his other letters should suffice. Sorry for the angst it caused you, it's unfortunate.