Are there any circumstances when an applicant should submit a letter of recommendation?
An applicant should submit a letter of recommendation (or explanation) if he or she has a record of activity, leadership, internship or other experience that is unusual and outstanding for a high school student, or if there are unusual circumstances in the applicant’s family life, or at the school, with the applicant’s [or a family member’s] health or financial situation or if the applicant has accomplished, survived, instigated or sailed through experiences/activities/circumstances that are extremely unusual for a high school student. Then by all means have someone write a letter addressing, detailing or explaining the circumstances. Note an emphasis on outstanding and unusual experiences and circumstances. A few examples: • A summer internship assisting a university professor with research or conducting individual research; • A position of leadership in a national organization; • A summer internship with a Fortune 500 company; • The student (or close family member) experiences life-t
