Would having two Science or Math teachers write letters of recommendation for me hinder my application quality? My sophomore English teacher gave me very good grades and I think she liked me, but I don’t think I facilitated a strong enough relationship with her. Namely, I don’t think I talked and socialized with her enough so she can really get to know my work ethic and personality. Although I can give her my transcript and give recommendation information such as my work ethic and personality for her to use to write the letter, it won’t be as genuine and direct. Any suggestions on 2 STEM vs 1 English and 1 STEM? Thanks!
As long as both teachers have good things to say about you as a student and person, you’re fine. If you’re interested in a math/science career there’s nothing wrong with focusing the rec letters in that direction.
Would having 1 English and 1 STEM rec harm my application if my English teacher doesn’t know me well but gave me good grades?
Yeah, I would say that’s more harm than good. The point of the rec letters is for colleges to see how you are as in the classroom, since college is primarily an educational instutute. If a teacher doesn’t know you that well and writes a general letter, it doesn’t really add anything to the application and could make you seem like a lackluster student. I know people usually say to take one letter from humanities and one from STEM to seem “well-rounded” but it’s way more important to ensure you get letters from people who actually care about you and will write things that make you desireable to a college.
That’s very reasonable! Thank you for the advice. I’m thinking about getting my physics and math teacher’s recommendations.
look for the college’s requirements, they will say if they prefer one from a STEM teacher and one from a language arts/social science teacher, or if they only want tenth grade and up. If nothing is specified, give your two best.