Advice on Which To Ask for A Letter of Rec

Applying to College
1

<p>I need some help deciding between two of my history teachers, I don't know which one to ask for a letter of rec for next fall.</p>

<p>Teacher Choice 1: A teacher who has been at my school for many years, has lots of experience writing letters of rec, and who could probably write one well. He likes me and I do well in his class, however I don't think he really "knows" me or has a sense of who I am despite the fact that I do all my assignments and get good grades on his tests.</p>

<p>Teacher Choice 2: I also had him for history, first semester (choice #1 is the current one, second semester obviously). He was a student teacher when he taught me but now is a full time, real-deal teacher. He probably doesn't have any experience writing college recs but he knows me very well and I also did well in his class. I'm not sure how well he could write it, but should i be willing to take a leap of faith on the grounds that he likes me and would try to write a really good letter for me and also that he knows me really well and could probably write a lot about me, more than things like "she was a very organized student."</p>

<p>The only problem with Choice #2 is that he has no experience writing these. However, he would probably put a lot of effort into it since it would be one of his first and he really liked me as a student.</p>

<p>Anyway, I can't decide! Help!</p>

<p>Thanks..</p>

2

<p>ask both, then pick which one to use.</p>

3

<p>But I can't read what they write or have any way of knowing which one is better...can I?</p>

4

<p>Sure you can...just ask if you can read it. If you are scared, then I would say go with the first history teacher. Do you really expect that most U.S. students have an "intimate bond" with their teachers? No, they just ask them to write a recommendation if they did well in the class. You are thinking too hard.</p>

5

<h1>2. if he likes you that much it will show.</h1>

6

<p>Okay well thanks for the advice. I thought there were strict rules that prohibited students from reading their Letters of Rec.</p>

<p>So it's not weird to ask to read it? I guess I don't know how going about that, asking upfront seems kind of intimidating to me.</p>

7

<p>I'd ask the second guy. Just tell him some of what you've told us--that you feel he knows you better and can convey your abilities and talents as a student better.</p>