Schools where you absolutely positively need recs

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by Titchou

Two would be better than one at UVA.

Out of curiosity (not argument), is this still true if neither one knows her personally?

[ADqtPiMel]

Recs are important at UVA. Two would be better than one, but one is good.

ETA -- didn't see earlier reply.

[ComradesTrue]

So are we at a consensus that UVA isn't really "up for grabs?"

Is more than 2 overkill? The neighbor knows 4 members of my own organization really, really well. In addition, her mom remains close with her own chapter sisters (a different group than me) and these women have watched her grow up and also know her really well.

Again, it's walking the "how are we most helpful without annoying the chapter?" fine line.

[Titchou]

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

Out of curiosity (not argument), is this still true if neither one knows her personally?

It's always better to have personal recs. I can't say what any given chapter at any given school will do with a non personal one. I would never write a totally unknown rec. I always get the information from someone I trust and so state on the rec. Otherwise I decline to do one or make it "information only" which is not a real rec with us.

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by Titchou

It's always better to have personal recs. I can't say what any given chapter at any given school will do with a non personal one. I would never write a totally unknown rec. I always get the information from someone I trust and so state on the rec. Otherwise I decline to do one or make it "information only" which is not a real rec with us.

That's what I am trying to ask, so let me rephrase: if you don't know anyone, and end up getting them through the AP, is it worth it to get two?