Emory's Stance on Letters of Recommendation for Undergraduate Admissions

Hey, I am planning on applying to Emory and I'm a bit stressed. Is it beneficial if a teacher in the subject I wish to major in writes my letters of recommendation? Do they look for anything special?

In general, having a teacher in your proposed major write your recommendation letter can indeed be helpful. This is because they can offer insight into your engagement with the subject at a deeper level, and your aptitude for college-level study in that discipline. So if you're applying for a science major, for example, a science teacher who has seen you in class and during lab sessions could provide great context.

Keep in mind that when considering recommendation letters, admissions officers are going to be looking for teachers who can speak highly of your character, your work ethic, your academic potential, and your ability to contribute to a college community. The teachers you ask to write your recommendation letters should be ones who know you well, can speak specifically to your skills in their given subject, and can provide examples of times when you showed initiative, leadership, or other desirable qualities.

Remember that great letters of recommendation can strengthen your application and provide a perspective that your grades, test scores, and extracurriculars cannot. So while it can be valuable to have a recommendation letter from a teacher in your intended major, it's even more important to have recommendation letters from teachers who truly believe in your potential and can communicate that belief in a compelling way.

For example, if your English teacher knows you better and can speak to your personal growth and intellectual curiosity, their letter could be more beneficial than a letter from your math teacher who might not have as much insight into your character, even if you plan to major in math.

In conclusion, while the subject the teacher teaches in could play a beneficial role depending on your major, the most important thing is that the teacher can give a comprehensive and shining portrayal of you as a student and as a person.