grade 9 teacher for my recommendation? DILEMMA HELP PLEASE!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
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<p>Do you think its okay if I chose my grade 9 religion teacher, who ONLY taught me in grade 9, and in religion, which is something not relevant to my major? </p>

<p>Also, I recall that I did below average in his class. I am concerned that the admissions committee will be discouraged by the fact that he taught me so long ago, and that I didn't do so well (87% final which was STILL below average, don't remember by how much though). </p>

<p>I know that most people get teachers that taught them all throughout high school or from at least soph- senior year, but never freshman year!!! </p>

<p>However, he REALLY knows me (personality wise and habit wise) and my aspirations! Frankly, his faith and hope for me to succeed is much more than I even think I deserve!! </p>

<p>Also, if he expresses in his letter how I was able to maintain the great connection throughout all 4 years of high school, (he's also my Extended Essay Mentor this year; it's an I.B. Essay requirement), would that be alright? Like we always catch up in the hallways and update each other on our lives! He definitely has seen me grow as a person.</p>

<p>Do you guys think the grade discrepancy could be unreliable to the admissions committees? And my below average performance in his class? </p>

<p>Note: my other teacher options know me really well, but don't know me AS well as this one, but have taught me for 1-2 years and I have done well in their classes!! So i am really confused as to who to chose!</p>

<p>Please, even if you just read this, I would REALLY appreciate any perspective out there!! Thank you SO much!</p>

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<p>Read what MIT looks for from teacher recommendations! Harvard, and other selective colleges, are looking for the same thing. See: [Writing</a> Recommendations | MIT Admissions](<a href=“http://mitadmissions.org/apply/prepare/writingrecs]Writing”>How to write good letters of recommendation | MIT Admissions)</p>

<p>Can your religion teacher provide real insight into who you are as a scholar? Most students do not get recommendations from freshman year teachers, as colleges want to hear from someone who has taught you more recently.</p>

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<p>^^ Whomever you ask, you also should know that teacher recommendations are extremely important in the college application process. On the College Board’s website, Jeffrey Brenzel, Yale Dean of Admissions, says that teacher recommendations are the 2nd most important part of your application. See: <a href=“https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-started/video-transcription/whats-the-most-important-part-of-the-application[/url]”>https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-started/video-transcription/whats-the-most-important-part-of-the-application&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>“The most important part of your application — bar none, no question, any college — is your high school transcript. Probably the next most important are your teacher recommendations, particularly if you’re applying to any kind of selective college or university.”</p>