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Letters of recommendation from a therapist?

So, I was thinking about asking my therapist for a letter of recommendation for my college applications. Would it be appropriate, and does anyone have experience with this type of recommendation? I feel like they could provide unique insight into my personal growth, but I'm not sure if colleges would find it relevant.

11 months ago

It's an interesting idea to consider a therapist for a letter of recommendation since they've seen your personal growth. However, I would advise against it for a few reasons:

1. Confidentiality and professionalism: Therapists are bound by confidentiality, and a letter of recommendation might disclose sensitive information that isn't appropriate for college applications.

2. Relevance: Colleges typically prefer recommendations from teachers, counselors, or other academic or extracurricular supervisors who can discuss your intellectual abilities, academic achievements, and other qualities that directly pertain to your potential as a college student.

That being said, if you have a compelling reason for including a therapist's recommendation, make sure to discuss it with them first. They can provide guidance on whether it would be beneficial and how to appropriately frame the content. Additionally, ensure that you also have the standard letters of recommendation from teachers or other relevant sources to provide a well-rounded picture of your candidacy.

Remember, your goal is to present your growth, resilience, and personal development in the best light possible through your application. If an appropriate essay prompt is available, you might consider sharing aspects of your therapy journey and growth in your personal statement or supplemental essays, as that would avoid some of the issues of asking your therapist for a recommendation.

11 months ago

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