I feel like it’s hard to make a stellar impression on all of my teachers. I’ve been staying after school with my teachers and getting help one on one but I feel like I’m just being a dumb student instead of being “likeable” or impressive. I also am not a big on being sociable and I honestly have zero ideas on how to change it so I can be a more well rounded student to my teachers. So yeah I’m at the end of my rope here looking for advice lol
What year are you, junior or senior?
Relax, you only need at most 3 teachers. Potentially only 1 if you’re not applying to the schools that require multiple recommendations.
If you’re a junior you still have time to pick and choose.
Going to the teacher for extra help is not the only way to make a good impression. Being nice to other kids in the class is also good. If there is something that you understand very well, making an effort to teach it to other kids is very impressive, especially if you’re naturally shy. If you’re artistic, make a poster for them. If you’re funny, make a powerpoint full of memes related to something you learned in class.
It’s also impressive to ask the teacher to explain things that you are interested in that are related to the field but not on the curriculum. For example, if you’re looking to impress an English teacher you might read a classic book that is not on the curriculum over Thanksgiving or Christmas break, then ask them about the author and how it relates to the material you’re studying.
In the end, though, what most impresses a teacher is seeing a student get excited about a concept or field. Think about your classes, think about what you really thought was cool or interesting. Get excited about it and think about how you can do more to find out about that subject. Do it for yourself, not just to impress the teacher.
Be yourself. See teachers after school if you need help, not to try to make an impression. Come prepared for class, pay attention, do excellent work, participate in class when appropriate, be a good citizen etc. and you will be fine. FWIW my S was quiet and had no issue getting two teacher LORs (and I’m assuming they were good since he got into his top choice college).
read this:
https://mitadmissions.org/apply/parents-educators/writingrecs/
It is more about how you do in the class than how likable you are.
Do you do well? Do you show leadership in the class (e.g., helping others).
Do you go above and beyond?