Hey guys! I’m a senior applying to colleges like Vanderbilt, WashU, Northwestern, etc. and I’m starting to look at which teachers I should ask for letters of recommendation. I already have one written from my sophomore year biology teacher, who I had a really close connection with and who wrote me an excellent letter. I need one more from another teacher. Here are my options:
-My sophomore year English teacher-- I was a good student in this class but did nothing extraordinary, however I carried on my English knowledge to work with him in my school’s Writing Center the past two years. He would probably write about how I’ve changed as a person (shy sophomore to outgoing/helpful senior).
-My junior year AP US History teacher-- Again, no specific memorable moments here, but I was successful in her class (got a 5 on the AP test) and was diligent (always attended the optional review sessions).
-My senior year AP Lit teacher-- he seems to be a good teacher so far and I’ve been participating actively in class discussions, but I don’t know how I would get to know him well enough before it’s time for ED1 applications.
I’m leaning toward the letter from my sophomore year, but I’m concerned because I already have one from that year and colleges generally want more recent letters (ones from junior or senior year). Can anyone dispel/confirm my worries? Exactly how much do admissions counselors care about when you had the teacher who’s writing your letter?