Recommendation Form Advice

Applying to College
1

<p>i'm about to fill out the teacher recommendation form that I will be giving to one of my teachers I've known for the past few years and there's a spot that asks "Do you feel that your transcript accurately reflects your academic efforts and ability? If not, explain what factors/circumstances have interfered with your academic performance."</p>

<p>the truth is that I don't believe it reflects my ability and potential. I have a 3.78 cumulative gpa and if it wasn't for my sophomore year I'd have a 4.0. Sophomore year I had a ton of personal issues going on that completely distracted me from school for almost the entire school year. I had to go in to see a personal counselor for a few months, even. But the last thing I want to do is make myself seem incapable of dealing with stress and personal problems. I don't want to look bad. I wish I could erase my sophomore year and have a 4.0 but I can't do that. But I would rather have a 3.78 and seem capable than say I should have a 4.0 and seem incapable.</p>

<p>What would you do?</p>

2

<p>I would probably state briefly that sophomore year was a difficult year due to personal issues which impacted your grades negatively, but as your junior year shows, you have overcome those issues and believe that your current performance accurately reflects your abilities. If you know the teacher well and want to share more, that’s your prerogative, but you don’t want to look like you are making excuses.</p>

3

<p>I would ask your guidance counselor to include your personal issue in the LOR, not this teacher’s LOR.</p>