<p>I was wondering how the teacher recommendation might impact my chances of getting into a high ranking university. I have good grades and take high level classes. My teachers don't exactly like me but I get excellent grades in their classes. Do you think those specific teachers might give me a bad recommendation because they don't like me and because of that are willing to overlook my grades? Also, how might that kind of teacher rec. impact my chances of getting into a university? Finally, do all universities require a teacher recommendation? Thanks...I know it's a lot and I appreciate your help!</p>
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<li>How to avoid a “bad” rec? Honestly, approach your selected person and ask if s/he can write you a strong rec letter. They’ll tell you YES or NO.</li>
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<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/admissions-hindsight-lessons-learned/386669-how-ask-recommendations.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/admissions-hindsight-lessons-learned/386669-how-ask-recommendations.html</a></p>
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<li><p>For selective unis, they are extremely important. </p></li>
<li><p>Very few unis require rec letters.</p></li>
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<p>Teacher recs matter at the schools where they are required. Many schools don’t require them. But, all highly selective schools require them and most very selective schools do. Nearly all teacher recs at these schools are strongly positive or at least positive, so a lukewarm or negative one will stand out and will not help your chances. </p>
<p>As T26E4 succinctly said, it’s fine and appropriate to ask more than just “can you give me a rec?” Spend a few minutes talking with the teacher about what the teacher might be able to say about you, what anecdotes they might use, how they might display your best qualities in the rec. Be sure the teacher is going to give you a strong and positive rec before you thank them and let them go to work on the letter. Also, you still have this whole semester to make a positive impact on those teacher relationships so they have a better impression of you when you ask for recs in fall. </p>
<p>Alternatively, go online and look up the undergraduate admissions requirements for the big public schools in your state. That’s a good starting point to find schools which don’t require teacher recs.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the advice! Do you think I could use running start teachers?</p>
<p>Any teacher who has taught you in a core class (math, science, soc stud, english, for. lang) for a grade that appears on your HS transcript junior year is a good choice for your teacher recs. You might also consider a teacher from 10th grade, but only if you will have that same person for a class again senior year. Check online to see what your particular schools will want. Some schools want two teacher recs and suggest choosing one from the math/science side and one from the soc. stud./language side.</p>