<p>If I need a teacher recommendation for a summer program or something of the like, and even in the future for college, how do I go about asking for one? It seems a bit awkward just asking one day all of a sudden for one. Any tips?</p>
<p>“Hey, can you write me a recommendation?”</p>
<p>Teachers writes rec letters ALL THE TIME. There’s nothing weird or awkward about asking politely.</p>
<p>I really hope so…</p>
<p>“Would you be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me?”</p>
<p>I just approached my teacher and asked for a rec directly. Don’t beat around the bush because you’ll waste your teacher’s time.</p>
<p>You could bring copies of your best work from that class, or other related information as examples of your achievements. If the rec is for competitive selection (college apps, extremely prestigious summer programs, scholarships), you should ask to schedule a brief time to discuss your accomplishments and other information with the teacher. </p>
<p>Also, you may explain why you’re asking that specific teacher (i.e. “Because this summer program offers a scholarship to do UG economics research, I thought you would be the best teacher to convey my experience/interest for economics.”) This just adds a personal touch and a context for the teacher to evaluate you.</p>
<p>If the teacher declines for whatever reason, accept his/her response graciously and find another teacher.</p>
<p>Thanks guys! I guess I’ll need to muster up all that courage to ask though…</p>
<p>you don’t need to muster up courage to ask. just go do it. they’re your high school teachers, you shouldn’t be afraid of them. and they write them all the time.</p>
<p>Theoretically you’re asking teachers who know you both personally and academically, ones with whom you have a good relationship. So, there shouldn’t be any sort of awkwardness. Like others have said, be polite, give context, and don’t pursue it if they can’t.</p>
<p>As for what the teacher wants, they’ll tell you. Like, for college, one of my English teachers asked me for a brief paragraph on what I wanted to study and why (she knew, technically, but she wanted it written out), and where I wanted to go/why. My French teacher didn’t ask for anything xD</p>