<p>I think there are many advantages of asking for Recs from teachers before summer, and I plan to do it, but I have a few questions. Has anyone done it this way before? How did you ask for it?</p>
<p>Do I just ask them for a generic letter of rec because the Common App college rec forms aren't out yet? And then give them the forms in fall? </p>
<p>Is it better to have letter of Rec from different areas? If I'm thinking of applying to Engineering schools, should I get a Rec from my English teacher as opposed to Math and Comp Sci (like I planned to, or is this a bad combination)?</p>
<p>MAny people ask, there are other college websites that give "ou an idea of how to ask.</p>
<p>My d asked her teachers in the spring (a bit earlier than now) and got their commitment to write the letter. In the fall, she gave them a large manila envelope with the Common App form, her activities list, and stamped envelopes addressed to each school. On the front of the envelope (as required by her school), she attached a sheet with each school's name, address, and due date. As suggested elsewhere on this site, into each individual school's stamped envelope, she put a self-addressed postcard listing what was sent ("Recommendation from Mr. Smith") and the college's name. Most colleges stamped the card and dropped it in the mail, so we had confirmation of what they received and when.</p>
<p>I would say if you would get good recs from all three teachers, send all three. It will show the adcom that you are interested in a broad range of classes and succeed at them as well.</p>
<p>If you're applying to an engineering school, you should check out the requirements for recs. Some schools might want recs from math and science teachers only. If your English teacher can write you a great rec that says stuff not mentioned in the other two, you might be able to send that one in as a supplement (depending on how willing the admissions office is to receive supplements, of course).</p>
<p>I asked my teachers right around this time last year, actually. One of them actually wrote it before the summer ended, and because he was going to read AP exams, I didn't have time to give him my activities list. I gave him all the necessary forms in September. My other teacher told me that she would write me one but that I should get back to her in the fall. So it all depends on the teachers.</p>
<p>And yes, I just asked for generic recs.</p>