<p>I've been homeschooled all along, but I've attended a CC for lab sciences since my freshman year (I'm a junior now). I'm applying to a summer research program for which the app is due early next month. I need three teacher recs, and I have two already (very nice ones, at that). I had applied to another similar program not long ago, and I could use the rec for that one from "Mrs. W" (my chemistry instructor) for this program. It's a nice letter (I actually thought it was rather good), says nice stuff about me (friendly, highly intelligent, etc.), but it pales in comparison (OK, maybe not THAT dramatic) to the other two, or at least lacks the spark the others do. I had originally planned on submitting it along with the other two. However, I'm taking an anatomy course this semester with a teacher ("Ms. P") that I had for Introductory Biology in my first semester of my freshman year. I don't want to sound arrogant, but she thinks of and perceives me as driven, ambitious, highly intelligent, and as a great person overall. I'm half-considering asking her for a rec for the program, but I'm not sure. While I had the highest A in her Intro to Biology class, that was 2+ years ago, and not exactly a hard class. It's been barely a week into my anatomy class, and I fear that it may be awkward to ask for a rec. Sure, I've dropped by her office fairly often during the interim, and she's reasonably familiar with my EC's, interests, and classes, but I don't know whether it's in my best interest to ask her for a rec, as I haven't taken a class with her as recently as with "Mrs. W."</p>
<p>Let me know if I'm better off asking "Ms. P" for a rec or just submitting the one from "Mrs. W." BTW -- answer quickly, 'cause I'd need the rec within about three weeks. Feel free to ask questions for clarification of the question/situation, if necessary. Thanks!</p>
<p>I've known her for almost 2.5 years (since the beginning of my freshman year). Just clarifying, the rec form "Mrs. W" certainly won't hurt my chances of getting into the research program. I'm just wondering if the one from "Ms. P" would better my chances. Thank you!</p>
<p>I suppose it wouldn't hurt to ask her, "Do you think you know me well enough to write a favorable/knowledgeable rec?" That would give her the option of not doing it if she didn't feel comfortable writing one.</p>
<p>You should talk to her and ask her if she would mind writing a rec, or if she thinks it's too early in the term. Her response might help you decide.</p>
<p>"Ms. P., I'm applying for such-and-such summer research program at such-and-such university. I realize that classes have been in session for only one week and that the last time you had me in a class was over two years ago, but do you think you might be familiar enough with my coursework, character, and long-term goals to write an effective letter of recommendation in my favor for the program? If you're not sure you know me well enough as a student -- as it IS quite early in the semester -- it's fine if you answer 'no.'" <em>sweet, reassuring smile</em></p>
<p>^excellent... except for the "effective"... change that with something like "favorable" if you want to be subtle or even be blunt and say "good".</p>
<p>awww crap i didn't read the in my favor stuff... either way is fine</p>