<p>OK, I have basically only one good teacher to write me a good rec... All my other teachers, I never talk to out of class, or don't really participate in the class! What should I do? Will this lukewarm rec hurt me from admissions to ivies?</p>
<p>Frankly, your potential lack of academic engagement may well be properly conveyed by in your recs -- and THAT may hurt you. Not the recs themselves. The Ivies and other ultra selective schools would find the most viable candidates those who are the most engaging people in their classes, who are the scholars and leaders of their classes.</p>
<p>I'm not saying one MUST be one of these to get an admit but the fact is that vast nos. of students who already HAVE these characteristics are applying for the slots you're vying for. Unfortunately the top tier school have limited space.</p>
<p>This isn't to say you won't be successful in college but you've got to know that even the most qualified folks are still being turned down at these "reach" schools. That being said, we live in a country with literally 100s of great schools -- I'm confident of that. Don't be too unsettled with the "chasing the top schools" game. Read some postings by AdOfficer. He/she has some great advice and perspective.</p>
<p>For example:
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?p=3954144#post3954144%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?p=3954144#post3954144</a>
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?p=3954921#post3954921%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?p=3954921#post3954921</a></p>
<p>HTH</p>
<p>pretty much what you're saying is "I haven't been doing the things selective colleges are looking for. Will this hurt me?" I think you know the answer.</p>
<p>^I'm sorry, I didn't choose my father or mother's specific gametes that formed me... I wasn't able to choose my parents and choose my personality... I'm not the type of guy who blabs on in class... I'm more introverted, artsy type of guy</p>
<p>
[quote]
pretty much what you're saying is "I haven't been doing the things selective colleges are looking for. Will this hurt me?" I think you know the answer.
[/quote]
I'm sorry, I'm not perfect... Last I checked, all humans have flaws, yes even those that go to HARVARD....</p>
<p>Well, that particular flaw will hurt you not to start dealing with, from admissions to job performance. You have to step your game up a notch, bud. Sitting in the same classroom as people that never show any signs of life can be extremely frustrating.</p>
<p>Besides, most of the really smart kids also sit and not participate, and they all probably are going to go to 7 year medical programs... I'd rather not talk than waste time talking about crap that I make up on the spot and don't know what I'm talking about, lol...</p>
<p>It's funny though. I've visited classes where the students rarely participate, and this is at a really good university. They showed very little signs of life imo.</p>
<p>k., pf, life is full of times when you have to chat, or questions and socialize</p>
<p>if your teachers don't know you, your recs will be generic, won't hurt, but won't help</p>
<p>why not try a bit and stop making excuses for being how you are</p>
<p>OP: You asked how this will relate in regards to Ivy admissions chances -- you've gotten solid answers. You may not like the tone of them but it doesn't lessen the huge obstacle you have in front of you.</p>
<p>If I'm the IVY admissions officer and today I'm looking at 15 files -- 13 of them have solid to overwhelmingly glowing teacher recs. Two of them don't. Which will I red flag? It's nothing personal but how can I justify advancing either of the two flagged ones over the other 13? I can't go interview all 15 looking for their "hidden talents". As a matter of fact, I've allowed you to display your best and choose your recommenders. If given that, and the teachers who objectively think your talents don't match our admissions criteria, then what can I do?</p>
<p>I've interviewed 16 students the last three admit cycles where my alma mater's admit rate has been beneath 10% (I'm an alumni interviewer). Only two were offered admission and certainly all 16 were some of the best in the context of their high schools. It's just THAT competitive with the Ivies.</p>
<p>I'm confident that you'll have some excellent choices of colleges in the next year but the Ivies are an unrealistic reach IMHO.</p>