<p>I want to apply to schools like MIT and Caltech next year that require a recommendation letter from a math/ science teacher. This poses a problem because I will be taking math through correpondence next year because I have exhausted my school's math offerings, and my science teacher doesn't write good letters.
I read a recommendation letter that he had written for me for a program that I ended up not applying for, and for a weakness of mine he put my lack of skill in writing science papers. We have only done 2 labs in his class this year, and I have scored well on both, thus I feel his claim is unwarranted. In addition, I won second at ISEF this year, and was accepted to RSI, so I don't think that its fair to say my scientific writing skills are a weakness. Although he's a nice guy, he has often complained about me missing school for science competitions. My research experience is my biggest hook for college, and I'm afraid that his recommendation letter will leave a back impression on colleges.
Should I talk to him about this? Or should I ask my old math teacher to write an recommendation (she writes ones that are very trite and formulated...nothing great, but not bad)?</p>
<p>I would go to the math teacher and give her a list of things that you feel need to be included. Explain to her that these are the things the schools are looking for in their letters. She would be the best to explain your having exhausted the school's curriculum and talk about the correspondence. Ask her to make a good comment about your ambition and initiative in continuing to take math. By giving her some direction, you will give her info that usually is lacking so she writes formulaic letters. And by asking her to include certain things that you will be using as a hook, you will get her out of the formulaic letter writing.</p>
<p>Does your school routinely send students to schools like MIT and CalTech? Have any students from your high school been admitted to these or similar colleges in the past 2-3 years? If so, then apparently the math and science teachers are writing good recs because something is working. </p>
<p>If not, you might consider asking your HS Principal to write a recommendation letter. Most principals would be excited to have one of their students admitted to an elite college like MIT, CalTech, etc., and would go the extra mile to make it happen. Perhaps your principal could include positive comments and perspectives from several teachers and this might help your recommendation letter stand out. It's possible your principal would also be more open to incorporating your suggestions regarding your academic strengths and weaknesses, interests, and hooks, and could mention that you are taking extra courses by correspondence beyond the required curriculum.</p>
<p>It cannot be stressed enough that if you just ask a teacher to write a letter of recommendation for you, you probably will get a bland, formulaic letter. </p>
<p>Rather, the approach should be to compile a brag sheet to give to the teacher. Of course, you should title it a "reminder" of your accomplishments (not only in that subject area, but in ECs and other awards/special talents, etc). That gives the teacher something to write about and allows that teacher to "brag" about you and gives you some control over what the teacher will probably include in the letter.</p>
<p>So get busy preparing that "reminder" sheet! Or better yet, a sheet for each teacher with some different and some overlapping items (science honors to the science teacher, math awards/activities to the math teacher). Otherwise the letters will look much too much alike.</p>
<p>I agree about getting a letter from the math teacher along the lines suggested by ejr1. Also, make sure to get a recommendation from your RSI instructor and send it in. It will carry a lot of weight at MIT and Caltech. Congrats on getting into RSI!</p>
<p>I also agree with ejr1 recommendation and with marite about getting a letter from instructor at RSI.</p>
<p>In my experience with recommendation letters the more specific you are the better your letter will be, but make sure when you ask for the letter you also explain why you are asking that particular person for the letter. </p>
<p>Have you had more than one math teacher in high school? If so consider asking a teacher who you like and talk to them about writing a letter. You might say something about how much you enjoy math and you appreciate the foundation that teacher has given you - and the skills you learned in class have allowed you to pursue more advanced courses. The teacher may be willing to write something better than a "trite and formulated" letter if they think you appreciate them.</p>