Is being shy bad? Especially in a Rec Letter?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>I'm a senior this year and I've been asking my teachers for rec letters. Recently, one of them let me read his letter and I just wanted to know what you all would think of this: </p>

<p>Basically, everything in the letter was very good, positive, and written well about the context in which he knew me as well as my activities outside of school. However, in one part, he mentioned that I was not as talkative and shy in class discussions, though I have been improving in that area since then (which was true, since I was in his class as an underclassman and now I've become more outgoing). Is this bad? He also told me that we could work together to revise the letter, but would this be a concern I should bring up? I'm slightly worried that this will reflect badly, or is shyness not really something that serious? Again, I've improved since then, though just not in his class for him to see. Since I'm applying to these top schools, I feel like I need to present myself as more sociable and outgoing than this may seem to suggest. </p>

<p>Don't get me wrong, it was a very nice letter and recommended me well, but is this something I should stress over? </p>

<p>Thank you for any suggestions.</p>

2

<p>I would ask if you could have your GC review it and make recommendations.</p>

3

<p>Is there a different teacher who could write a recommendation for you?</p>

4

<p>Usually admissions don’t take teacher’s recommendation letter seriously. But if you can ask the teacher to focus on how you improved participation, it should be better.</p>

5

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<p>Letters of recommendation ARE really important, or so I’ve heard at CC, actually.</p>

6

<p>Every part of Harvard’s application is important, including teacher recommendations. Year with about 29,000 applications and 2000 acceptances, Harvard needs reasons to accept or reject each applicant.</p>

7

<p>I would suggest you revise it with your teacher, but don’t try to push it too hard. Maybe make a little mention. But meanwhile, ask a recommendation from another person who knows you well, just in case the end product doesn’t really turn out the way you wanted it to. :D</p>

8

<p>^ Great point. That is what I was alluding to in my above post.</p>

9

<p>Ok, thanks everyone for the help :slight_smile: I’ve already decided what I’m going to do but thank you for all the advice.</p>