Recommendation dilemma

Applying to College
1

<p>So, originally I thought that I would get a letter of recommendation from my Chemistry teacher. I had him for two years, in Honors Chem and AP Chem. However, when I went to ask him, he said he is already doing a lot of recs. Understandable. He suggested I go to my now AP Physics teacher. Here is where I do not know what to do. I am by no means the best Physics student. Since I had absolutely no background in physics before the class, I have struggled a bit in the beginning. I have a B in the class however I do not think it would be the best choice to ask my physics teacher. I originally thought I would go to my Junior year English teacher, since I have learned truly the most from her than any other English teacher prior, and she has been a great help with preping for the ACT, etc. However, this year she has become the acting Assistant Principal. Is it still possible to get a rec from her? As for the other Junior year teachers, I do not have much choice from. My spanish teacher, mainly knew the kids that would act out, and though getting an A in the class it was neither my favorite nor do I feel there was much of a student-teacher relationship. My math teacher does not speak the best of english (its her third year in the US) and I have struggled a bit in the class, though getting a B both semesters. And my AP European Hist. Teacher doesn't teach at the school any more. </p>

<p>As for my Senior year teachers, I would say I have the best relationship (though not that great) with my AP Physics teacher and AP Psych teacher. And my Psych teacher only writes 5 recs per year, and has done all of them already (for her former students). </p>

<p>Any advice on what I should do, what I can do, or anything in general would be greatly appreciated. :)</p>

2

<p>I would say that your English teacher is definitely still viable, as long as you give her two weeks (so proper notice) and tell her that you really appreciate it and all that. </p>

<p>Is it possible to try your chemistry teacher again (and mention this to him with sort of the explanation of why you are really asking him). </p>

<p>If not, it might be that you’ve waited a little too long and are just out of luck and you should just ask your physics teacher-- and a B isn’t killer for a letter of rec, depending on the schools you’re applying to. What you want is a letter that talks about what you are beyond grades-- so if you work really hard, or always try, or ask really good questions, even if you have a B, you can still get a good letter of rec.</p>

3

<p>No reason not to ask your former English teacher. The fact that she’s now acting Asst. Principal doesn’t change anything. I wouldn’t go back to your chem teacher. If he’d wanted to write that rec, he’d have found time to do it. Go to your AP Physics teacher instead. If may be an ‘okay’ rec but unless you are applying to highly selective schools, that shouldn’t matter.</p>

4

<p>M’s Mom said it just right. Your former English teacher should be your first choice and it makes no difference that she isn’t teaching this year. You might need just one rec; that’s not clear from your post. If you need two teacher recs for any of the schools where you are applying, your physics teacher is the right second choice.</p>