<p>I know that there's a stickied thread right there at the top... and I feel really horrible for making a new thread despite it. But it seems a bit inactive, and due to my own fear I'm completely desperate (and late in asking) for help. so I'm SORRY if this is considered spam.</p>
<p>Basically, my problem is that I'm kind of shy so I never really participated in any of my classes. And on top of that I'm a straight B-student. So I didn't get close to any of my teachers, nor did I do particularly well in any classes. I dont know ANY of my teachers that would know enough about me (either as a student or as a person) to write a letter for me. Can someone give advice for those who are average students and shy in class?? I know I CAN'T be the only one... but I'm so, SO afraid that any of my teachers will flat-out say "I'm sorry but I don't know you well enough" if I ask..</p>
<p>Teachers are used to writing letters of rec for all of their students, including the shy straight-B students. Very few will say “I don’t know you enough,” and even if they do, it’s not an insult. It just gives you the opportunity to ask somebody else.</p>
<p>You may submit recommendation from somewhere else, maybe an organization you worked with. But, that won’t be effective. What every college requires is the recommendation from your faculty. And NEVER feel shy to ask recommendation. Its about your future. You can’t risk your future just because you are shy and straight-B student. Even your teacher won’t try to write negative about you. They too are worried about their student’s future. So, go ahead and ask for a recommendation.
One more thing, though you might think that you were never near to your teacher, your teacher keeps record of all the students!</p>
<p>Just don’t think about it, and go for it. Is one recommendation going to hold you back from your dreams? If you get rejected, then ask another teacher. It won’t be that bad. I was nervous too when i asked but It just felt such a relief when I asked my teacher and she said yes. Just ask a teacher today or tomorrow. The longer you wait, the higher the chance of rejection. A teacher tends to get busier as the year goes along.
As the Nike slogan says, “Just do it.”</p>
<p>I had this same exact problem. I thought I was the only one! For weeks, I deliberated about who to ask for recommendations, how to ask them, and when. It got borderline ridiculious because I would walk up to my teachers’ room, but then turn around because I was too shy to ask them. My suggestion for you is to intiate contact via email. If you just tell yourself “today I am going to ask Mr. Brown for a recommendation,” it is easy to chicken out, because there is no way to hold yourself accountable. But if you send Mr. Brown an email and say “tomorrow morning I’d like to discuss recommendations with you,” then you have committed to requesting a recommendation letter. Your teacher will then most likely approach you so you don’t have to worry about awkward introductions. It also helped me to go with a friend, because when you’re accompanied by someone bubbly, it can make talking to your teacher a lot more natural. A teacher would have to be very cruel to refuse you in front of another student! </p>
<p>As far as selecting teachers go, choose ones from the subjects you enjoy the most or plan to major in, even if you weren’t an excellent student in that class. If you preface your conversation with the teacher saying “wow I thought your class was so interesting, it really influenced me to blahblahblah…” (in a sincere way) they will be flattered and will write positively of your enthusiasm. </p>
<p>Since you are concerned your teachers don’t know you well, I’d recommend bringing along a resume. I also submitted a “student profile” from my guidance office. If your’s doesn’t have one, basically I’d just write a few sentences about your activities, your favorite subjects, your interests outside of school, something random teachers wouldn’t know about you (to add personality), your college plans, and your career goals. The form I received also recommended explaining any obstacles you have encountered in your life. If you think your shyness has impeded you from being successful in any way, acknowledge it. Teachers will be impressed if you explain that you are working on being more outgoing, and colleges like to see growth in applicants.</p>