Questionable teacher recommendation- any thoughts?

Applying to College
1

<p>All right, here's the deal:</p>

<p>For teacher recommendations this year I was planning on a science teacher who's had me every year except sophomore year, and then my APUSH teacher from junior year.</p>

<p>The first should be excellent- he's written what I take to be phenomenal recommendations for me in the past and at other school's he's taught at has gotten kids into Ivies.</p>

<p>The second I'm a bit worried about- I'm a science person, and this year I really focused on that and my extra-curriculars. My grades were fine, and I had an A both semesters in her class, but it was really just off of pure brilliance than actual effort (which is saying something as the average grade in that class indeed hovers around a C- also, sorry for the conceited nature of that last sentence). Let's put it this way- in the beginning of the year (say, first few months), I'd go home with a "headache" on days of tests I didn't feel completely prepared for (I know, that's really bad) and actually turned in half of the summer assignment late.</p>

<p>Here's the thing, though- I really picked it up in the second half of the year, keeping almost a perfect attendance record and making sure I had all my work in on time and such. After the first semester, she told me that I was a real asset in class discussions and it really hurt the class when I wasn't there, so that really made me grow-up and take responsibility for myself, if you will.</p>

<p>Also, she's my Quiz Bowl coach, and she trusted me enough to make me Captain and was there when I was named All-State. I drove her daughter to cross-country practice during the fall and she and I (the teacher, that is) get along really well.</p>

<p>Basically, I need your advice- I really feel like the APUSH teacher would give a really honest and heartfelt recommendation. Should I sit down with her and go over how I really tried to change second semester, though, and the feasibility of her writing a recommendation? Really, any and all thoughts are appreciated.</p>

<p>Thanks a million.</p>

2

<p>it sounds as if she's been in some form a mentor and/or a "pusher" (to use a phrase from Mean Girls)</p>

<p>that means she believes not only in your potential but also trusts you enough to take advantage of it
therefore, she's a good bet for a recommendation and do not hesitate to ask</p>

<p>plus having representation from a side of academics where you not only must try to succeed (and do succeed), and where you don't put all your attention otherwise might add balance or another dimension to your application</p>

3

<p>Ask her. Be frank and open and ask her if she would be comfortable and capable of writing a good letter of recommendation for you. Word your query so that she can decline gracefully if she feels like your first-semester antics (or anything else) would compromise her recommendation.</p>

4

<p>Thanks to both of you. Anniushka, I was thinking of doing something along those lines- even if, as hollyert said, she would still be a good bet for a recommendation it would likely help just to discuss any issues that might come up while writing the recommendation.</p>

<p>Thanks again.</p>

5

<p>If a teacher cannot write you a good recommendation, they won't agree to write you one.</p>

6

<p>"If a teacher cannot write you a good recommendation, they won't agree to write you one."</p>

<p>Not every teacher acts like that. After I was accepted to Harvard, one of the teachers who wrote a recommendation for me told me she'd told them to reject me!</p>

7

<p>I think Northstarmom is right.</p>

<p>The key is to allow teachers to say "No" without thinking they've hurt your feelings. They may feel obligated to write a letter of rec for you simply because you requested it; if you don't give them an out, they may not know how to refuse you if they don't feel up to the task. And you definitely want someone who is up to the task!</p>

<p>And you definitely want someone who wants to write a good letter. :p</p>

<p>I'm kind of reiterating what I posted previously. But hey, why not? At least the thread gets bumped. ;)</p>

8

<p>That's awful. I would hope teachers held themselves to higher ethical codes.</p>