Interesting predicament in trying to decide which teacher to ask for a recommendation

Applying to College
1

<p>I have to have a humanities teacher and a math/science teacher. The humanities one is already under way. The math/science is the problem, and it is possible that other people face a similar problem. </p>

<p>I had a teacher sophomore year who absolutely loved me and would write a fantastic rec, but she is not at the school anymore and was only there for 2 years, and she was a sophomore teacher for Algebra II. I got a 97/100 in her class.</p>

<p>Then there is my Honors Precalc/current BC calc teacher (same person). He is a really nice guy but no offense to him, he's kind of lazy and doesn't seem like he would write something that would really stand out. He's chronically sick- low energy and seems like depression- from diabetes. I did consistently well in his class but I was not the BEST in his class. He has been at the school for 10 years. I got a 92 in precalc Honors. </p>

<p>Then there is the third option- my chem accelerated teacher from junior year (last year). This is his second year at the school but he's been teaching for a while. He is creative and in my end of year comments, he wrote some really interesting (and kind of weird) stuff on my end of year comments. I got a 91 in his class. I'll show you what I mean about the comments:</p>

<p>"__ is equipped to become a chemist, or physician, attorney, teacher, writer… Whatever it is that he dreams of becoming, __ has the intellectual assets to achieve success. What is necessary is desire and determination. Yet, if he does not choose to become a chemist, then what is the value of chemistry education? During the course of the academic year we touch upon so many topics – but beyond demonstrating short term achievement on an SAT II exam, what value of chemistry education is enduring? It’s my hope that through lessons in thermodynamics, equilibria and the like, ___ will consider that individually we are analogous to cogs in a vast natural mechanism, and that by working within the laws of nature our mental and material wealth can expand – but if we deny or ignore the laws of nature, the stresses of natural mechanisms can grind us down. My advice, ___, is to assess what you believe to be the most important natural or social challenges facing the world, then, prepare yourself to work knowingly with others in order to address the big questions facing humanity."</p>

<p>I THINK his intentions are all positive in writing this, though it may come off that I need more work ethic and determination. He has commended me in the past for a good work ethic and stuff like that. I just have to wonder if this had some implicit negativity in it. And the catch with him is that he got mad at me in the fall of Junior year about asking him if certain things would be on the test (he wanted me to just be learning for the sake of learning) but I think he must feel bad about it. Also he got mad at me for not making up a test right away in the winter when I missed it while I was away. </p>

<p>However, this guy is very creative, a thoughtful writer, and seems pretty nice. He seemed to be impressed that I "bounced back" by the end of the year. I almost ruled him out because of these possibly negative things (or could they be obstacles that I overcame to make success even better?) BUT today we walked past each other in the hall and he seemed very glad to see me and we shook hands and he greeted me with a smile, and I told him I was enjoying physics this year and he was nice. He is also aware (I think) of my out of school endeavors to a slight degree (more that the other teachers), and SEEMED to like me as a whole person, not just a student, by the end of the year. </p>

<p>Sorry this is so long, but I am facing a dilemma. He will certainly be the most creative (unique, which is a must I think) but I just don't know if I can be 100% sure that he will write a 100% positive recommendation. Is it appropriate to flat out ask him? I could really use some help. By the way, I'm applying early to MIT if that makes any difference.</p>

2

<p>Ham,</p>

<p>You could always ask him "Will you be willing to write a strong recommendation on my behalf?"</p>

<p>That is an odd letter you quoted. It may be just fine. What about any other Math or Science teacher that still teaches in your school?</p>

3

<p>This is another letter he wrote at the end of FALL term at the point where he disliked me the most. He later commended me for taking the effort to fully understand the material and talking with the teacher of the class right before him about getting to his class on time. (things went up from there)</p>

<p>The class finished the term by studying two very challenging topics, thermodynamics and quantum mechanics (QM). While absent for the section on thermo due to the ___ (school trip), ___ returned to demonstrate continued good study habits on QM problem sets and laboratory reports. However, in the face of very challenging tests on this material, he experienced difficulty demonstrating full understanding of some concepts. I encourage ___ to maintain his enthusiastic and determined approach to learning chemistry and make a greater effort to get to class on time.</p>

4

<p>littlegreenmom-
The math teacher with low energy is the teacher I've had for the last 2 years (except a 1.5 month sub who doesn't know me well enough). My Physics teacher this year likes me as a student (I'm the best in the class) , but I've only had 5 classes with him this year (1 week of school). Outside the classroom, he just nods/quick smiles at me when we pass while this other guy shakes my hand and SEEMS happy to see me. Again, I just wonder if the chem teacher will say anything at all negative, which would KILL my application.</p>

<p>Maybe I could say this:
"I plan to apply to MIT EA because______. My college advisor asked me to choose a science or math teacher who I feel best knows me and understands the growth I've gone through as a student, and I felt that you were a good choice because being in your class and knowing you pushed me to reach my best academic and personal potential. I just wanted to ask if you would be willing to write a fully positive (needs to be reworded though... how do i ask him this without insulting him) recommendation for MIT." </p>

<p>Is that at all appropriate?</p>

5

<p>Ham,</p>

<p>I liked your sample letter. I think he wouldn't be insulted, but impressed with your maturity.</p>

<p>I would definitely go with that (or some version of it). If he feels like he cannot give you a good one, he will let you know.</p>

6

<p>Ham,</p>

<p>I forgot something else. Some Math/Sci teachers write in a different manner than English/Humanities teachers. I would imagine that schools like MIT see much more quirky, unusual writing styles from these teachers. </p>

<p>Schools need to see your passion, and how you learned and grew as a student.</p>

7

<p>That makes some sense. I am wondering whether I should write that to him in a letter or address him in person about it. I think in person would seem more mature, but it would be kind of awkward to say exactly what I wrote in that example letter. How could I ask him in person?</p>

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<p>please anybody respond!</p>

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<p>I would hand write the note and leave with the teacher, and then stop by classroom a few days later to ask what the teacher thought. It would show your desire to be mature, and show your excellent manners, to boot. Especially since there may have been a question over your personal responsbility and being tardy in his class, in the past.</p>

10

<p>if anyone else could offer input to the situation i would be incredibly grateful</p>