<p>I don't want to obviously kiss up but I would like to know some ways I can become personal/friendly with potential recommenders. I'm not very sociable or extroverted if that helps...</p>
<p>1) Do not befriend teachers with the motivation of having them be your recommenders - I feel like its really obvious to teachers when you’re friendly to them for your private interests. The teachers who are writing my letters of recommendation were teachers that I would’ve never imagined I’d choose when I first had them. In actuality, I was very reserved my first quarter of AP World and AP Environmental Science (and to an extent, I wasn’t necessarily fond of my World teacher either, at first) - but as time went on, I came to really, really enjoy both of those classes and I eventually built somewhat of a strong relationship with both of those teachers, especially my APES teacher who is kind of like my school-mother… (I go to her when I’m bored/hungry, she gives me cookies and lets me play with the weird science tools in her room, LOL.)</p>
<p>2) Teachers are human beings. They like people who have similar qualities to the people that you like - people who are:
- Honest
- Intellectually Curious
- Diligent
- Clever</p>
<p>The only difference is that your perceptions of people in your everyday life don’t really depend on how often they do their homework. If you always do your work, prepare for tests - and show evidence of such preparation - and you participate in class, teachers will like you. You’re making their job (and subsequently, their life) much, much easier.</p>
<p>** As a side note, you don’t have to be a perfect student. You can make mistakes on tests, you can screw up essays, teachers aren’t going to think you less of a person. My Trig/Pre-Cal teacher really liked me last year, I always did my homework, I tried my best to participate in class, but I didn’t always get 100’s on tests. Actually, I got low 80’s and high 70’s - but that didn’t change the fact that I was always on time, I always did my work, etc.</p>
<p>Sit in the front to avoid being distracted and participate in the class. I am a teacher, and I love when a student asks a question that shows they are thinking about the subject matter!</p>
<p>I am a teacher that has to write my share of recommendations. Dont be a the kind of person that argues over whether a question is right to get 5 points more added to your grade, be polite and human, and be timely. When it come time for your recommendation get a folder for the teachers requested recommendations. Put the recommendation in a folder with envelopes as needed, make sure you ask for the recommendation at least one month before you have to and always say thank you- Do the same for internet applications.</p>
<p>I’ve found that teachers prefer students who joke around (to an extent) and talk to them while doing well in their class as opposed to students who keep quiet and get 100 on every test</p>