A tricky recommendation

College Essays
1

<p>Today one of my social sciences teachers said he would write me a recommendation next year, and he likes me mainly because I show a lot of personality compared to other Asian students at my school. He emphasized "good character and creativity," but I did not talk much in his class although my grades were wonderful.</p>

<p>I am tempted to accept this offer for a recommendation because I need to set myself apart from all the other superb Asian applicants from my school who do things systematically for the sole purpose of getting into college, but am also worried because this teacher is one of my elective teachers, plus the lack of participation thing. He is also very much against collegiate elitism, and told me I really don't have to apply to the top schools I am thinking of.</p>

<p>Do you think I should take him up on this offer? He said he would let me see the rec afterwards and would only talk about positive points.</p>

2

<p>Oops! I posted in the wrong forum.
Please respond anyway
Thank you!</p>

3

<p>I'd let him write it. Since you can read it, if you don't like it, you don't have to send it in to colleges.</p>

4

<p>Well, do you have a better alternative? If not, this sounds sweet!</p>

5

<p>Is reading the recommendation before sending it off even allowed?</p>

<p>All the teachers that really loved me were my sophomore teachers, and I don't really want to get into that.</p>

<p>What do you think of asking senior teachers? I guess I'd have to develop a pretty strong relationship with some of them within a few short months... ?</p>

6

<p>try and get on an understanding with him on why/where you want to go
a good conversation can most likely get him to if not agree with you still understand and respect your desire</p>

7

<p>Get a junior/sophomore teacher--unless you've had the teacher x2 or more--to write the letter. That would be my rule of thumb. It takes time for a teacher to get to know you. Don't have a teacher senior year writing it...</p>

<p>Sometimes, teachers will let you read the recc. But, most of the time, you can't. It depends on the person. </p>

<p>Basically: Try talking to this teacher and just talking about your interests. They'll be able to write a much better letter (rhymes!) once they get to know you well. Find them when you're free. At the least, it will make this more personal and much better in terms of admissions.</p>