<p>OK, so next year, when I'm applying to colleges, can I ask multiple teachers for recommendations, then read over the recommendations and only send the ones that I think portray me in a good light? Do teacher ever write bad recommendations, or are they always good? </p>
<p>As of now, the only teacher I've had more than just one year is my chemistry teacher. I had her for Honors Chem last year, and now I have her for AP Chem. I got a 91 in her class first quarter (that grade is now a 96. I passed Chem last year with a very high A, 98 or 99) I'll probably be asking her. </p>
<p>The teacher I've gotten along with the best is my English 10 teacher, but I don't want to ask her to write my rec because I had her sophomore year. Next year, when I'm starting recs, I'l have new teachers (based on the classes I'm taking) Hopefully next year, when I take Stat, I'll have either my PreCalc teacher or my Algebra II teacher (the only two stat teacher currently, so I'm hoping they don't fire/hire) They both love me and I do very well there.</p>
<p>typically you are blinded. The school (or common app) sends an invitation via email to the TE. The TE responds directly to them and you dont see their eval. Alternatively the eval is done on paper and the TE writes across the envelop seal (or sends it in directly). </p>
<p>Choose evaluators:
In core subjects
That know you
That are willing to do it. Always ask them first.
That will say good things about you, preferably based on the information you give them. Always provide them a synopsis of your strengths. </p>
Q1) No. You need to waive your rights to read them for colleges to give them credibility. The teachers submit them directly to the school, or give them to a counselor to send on. And if you don’t waive the right to see them and try your plan, your teachers are going to be ticked off when you ask them to spend their FREE time writing letters, knowing they are just auditioning to submit rec letters for you. Frankly, that is insulting.</p>
<p>Q2) Yes, they write bad recs. You need to ask each teacher whether they are willing to write a strong letter for you. This is always appropriate, phrased politely of course. Don’t argue or question why if the answer is ask someone else, simply to thank the teacher for their honest answer.</p>
<p>While it can be uncomfortable for a student to ask a direct question like this to a teacher, it HAS to be done. The book “The Gatekeepers”, in which a NY Times reporter followed the admissions committee at Wesleyan for a year, is a real-world example of a bad rec. Obviously when the student asked for a rec she assumed it would be positive, but here is what she got:
This could have been avoided if the teacher had been asked if they would write a strong rec. The student did not get in. </p>
<p>From your questions I’m guessing you’re still at the learning process of how admission works. I strongly suggest getting a good book or two on how the process works so you understand how to evaluate colleges, how financial aid works, what to do on a college visit, etc. One book I recommend is called “Admission Matters”.</p>
<p>@mitchklong, I didn’t think that it would happen, but I assumed from the RD results threads, etc, that the students knew about their recommendation letters because under the “Teacher Recs” section, there is always a comment saying that they’re really good. My confusion stems from there. A situation like the one I’ve presented would be absolutely insulting; I didn’t see that initially. </p>
<p>How would you suggest phrasing the question? Something along the lines of, “I’ve been approaching teachers for recommendation letters, and would really appreciate it if you’d write one for me. I really enjoyed your class, and wanted to choose a teacher who would highlight my strengths and write me a good letter. Would you be willing?” or should I just be frank and go with something like, “Hi Ms. C, I was wondering if you’d be willing to write me a recommendation letter. I don’t mean to step out of my place, but I really want teachers who will be able to highlight my strengths and write me a strong letter. Would you be willing to do that for me?” </p>
<p>And thank you for the book rec! That sounds like something I will definitely need, as I am new to the process. My parents all went to college in India and I don’t have any older siblings. </p>
<p>You can find many links on the web regarding how to ask for letters of rec, and many college books will cover it (not sure if “Admission Matters” does). Here is one link to get you started: [How</a> to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation | Daren C. Brabham, Ph.D.](<a href=“Private Site”>Private Site)</p>