Don’t request letters of recommendation from anyone you reasonably expect to be lukewarm and vague or - perhaps worse - to demonstrate poor writing skills. I’d recommend asking a substitute teacher with whom you feel a bond, especially if that sub holds a liberal arts degree (likely in this economy!), rather than a teacher you barely know. Evaluators will consider the source only if they’re compelled by his/her narrative about you.
hi, I’m a bit confused as to what I have to print out from the common app to give to teachers? Don’t I just add the teacher email, and they would be assigned as recommenders? Where is the physical copy recommendation letter forms everyone is talking about? I’m terribly confused D:
Also, adding teachers to the list doesn’t notify them until you invite them? I pre-added some teachers, but removed them, because I wasn’t sure if I accidentally sent some invited. i may have f%^ up…
Ask your guidance counselor – the process works differently at different high schools, both due to internal policies, and how they use the common app, Naviance, etc.
@mathmomvt I’m an international student, and I’m having a new GC this year and I’m not sure if he/she will know whats up… D:
Try asking the guidance department secretary or someone who knows what is up in the guidance office if there’s anyone in the office who specialized in US applications and the common app?
So I’m kind of freaking out and I have no idea what to do. I’m a senior, and I asked for a recommendation from two teachers, and my APUSH teacher (whom I think is awesome), wrote me a note on naviance to confirm that it was submitted, and congratulated me on my success in high school. Included in the note was a copy of the recommendation which he had written for me - I DID NOT ASK FOR THIS. I have already waived my right to see the rec, and I assumed that it was just common knowledge that students don’t normally see their recommendations.
It kind of gets worse. I opened the recommendation, and it contained not only grammar and spelling mistakes, but a lot of the information that he used from my resume - which he requested - was incorrect. He incorrectly named my former school (I transferred to my current school last year), he misrepresented several key programs which I’ve participated in, and he put false information about my leadership. It wasn’t a very good recommendation to begin with, but compounded with the mistakes, it was atrocious.
What am I supposed to do? I’m freaking out.
@london2va talk to your guidance counselor. They may be able to approach the teacher on your behalf to point out the errors and ask the teacher to please make corrections. Good luck!
@london2va I want to mention that it’s okay to see your recommendation. You’ve waived your right, which means the teacher doesn’t HAVE to show you it. But since your teacher knowingly sent it to you, it’s okay. Sometimes teachers send it to the students, one of my teachers sent me a copy of my rec as well.
definitely ask in person. It makes your request feel genuine. Also, now recs can be sent electronically. Make sure you give the teacher plenty of time and ask them what you should provide them with
Are teachers usually impressed by that and do they like that?
What is “that”?
Are you referring to asking in person? If so, then yes, it’s preferable to ask them in person. If you’re going to ask for a rec from them, then you should be comfortable with talking to them in person, anyways.
Make sure to give them separate envelopes that already have the address written out and include a stamp.
^^ Majority of recommendation requests and submissions are now done on-line.
Do recs have to be from junior/senior teachers? I’ve been an assistant to my freshman science teacher both my sophomore and junior (this) years. Would that work out for my math/science rec? Also, I feel that this teacher knows me the best so I don’t want it to be a supplemental rec letter…
@GrandBudapest I think it will do, but I’m just another applicant. Try to get in touch with someone in that univ, whether it’s a student blogger or AO, as long as you think they will have time to respond.
I mean, I’d your in person, that’s how you should ask. You should ask to speak to them after class or during office hours, and just be polite. Tell them they mean a lot to you, and that you thought they were a good teacher. Then, make your request. Tell your teacher why you think they would be a good recommendation for you. Only after you get a yes should you give the teacher any paperwork.