If a student has been a behavior problem, has been caught repeatedly cheating on exams, caused problems for other students or has serious character flaws, an instructor may choose to say nothing rather than be negative. Letters of Recommendation Selection of an instructor may be quite important. If you are applying for a music scholarship, it would be logical to have a music teacher write a letter for you and not a coach. It would even be better if the teacher could express themselves well and respect you as a student. If at all possible, try and match the teacher with the scholarship topic.
General letters serve no purpose.
Letters that give specific insight into the student, their character, their tenacity, their heart are the ones that pull the application to the top of the pile. Actually, your letter of recommendation may be as important as the essay you submit. The reality is that very few teachers write impressive letters of recommendation. A resume will certainly help but the letter shouldn't be a reiteration of the application form information. In fact, many colleges will select one teacher, and 1-2 members outside the school.