Asked professor to write strong letter of recommendation, said no, but is still willing to help

<p>I retook Organic Chemistry 1 this semester, and ended up with a C+. Now I know that you might immediately think that I do not know this material, but in my heart I know that I do. Everytime I got my test back, I would look over it, and realized that I made the stupidest of mistakes. I always got the reactions and mechanisms down, it was the other little things which caused me to get points off. I had a solid B all semester, but with the final dropped down to a C+. I am extremely disappointed in that I wasn't able to get a solid A this time around, but I am going to try and live with it, and focus all my energy into getting a 4.0 in Orgo 2 this upcoming semester. Now my dilemma is, I asked this professor from this current Orgo 1 class if she would be able to write me a letter of recommendation for my transfer to UMich, and she said she usually only writes them for students who got Bs or higher, and since I didn't, she advises that I seek out another professor. Then later in her email, she says that if I choose otherwise, to let her know, and she would still be willing to write it. Do I still ask her? Can I be honest with her and tell her like I wrote the explanation above, that I still want her to write it, or would it not be a good move? The other letter of rec I have is from my History teacher, and I'm transferring for Math. I asked two of my math professors if they could write me a letter; one said no, the other has not responded (got As in all three of their classes). </p>

<p>Focus your attention in your hoped for area of expertise: pursue the math professors. Don’t spend time on a getting a recommendation out of your area from a prof who can’t be expected to write anything but a lukewarm recommendation. </p>

<p>I agree. Go for the A class professors. All this lady will be able to say is “He took my class and got a C.”</p>