<p>I'm a junior that wants to apply to a bunch of summer programs (I've already applied to RSI and SHARP). I have 4 teachers (1 chem teacher who really likes me, a past physics teacher who, although a bit slacky when it comes to writing rec letters, also really likes me, a past calc teacher who is worse than me at calc and therefore thinks I'm the greatest thing since sliced bread, even though I really am dumb, and a professor who is probably one of the only people who has seen my full abilities and lets me do problems on the board in a college class, sometimes).</p>
<p>Now, I already had them all make rec letters for rsi and sharp, and I sent in all 4 to each program. My question is, how do teachers think about rec letters? I mean, would it be too much if I asked them each to write 2 or 3 more for more programs or would they get annoyed and think less of me when I ask them for rec letters to college next fall?</p>
<p>I don't know. That's a good question. I guess it really depends on the teacher. Some teachers are willing to go out and write the whole letter and put it in an envelope and everything..and some tell the student to write the letter and then they will sign it. =</p>
<p>You really don't have much choice other than going back to the same well. Very few students have a large number of teachers who have the right characteristics to be good rec writers. Since you'll be calling on these teachers for some extra help, be sure to acknowlege their effort and be super-appreciative. Sometimes it's handy to provide rec writers with a short "high point" resume to refresh their memory - this can be particularly good for your guidance counselor, who has spent a lot less time with you than with your teachers.</p>
<p>It might be good to elaborate on my question here: Most of the programs only require 1-2 rec letters, but since I am sure all of these 4 people will write such great letters, and that I have heard that more really good rec letters are better than just a few, I would like to have all 4 of them write letters for all the programs. However, if it is a really big deal to them and they have to go out of their way for each one, should I divide it up and just have them write to different programs?</p>
<p>Probably best to ask them to save a copy of the reccommendation letter so if you have to ask them for another one, its not really taking a lot of time out their lives to write a brand new one. That way, they can just tailor the recs to fit the purpose and everyone gets what they want.</p>
<p>naw, since most of them write one letter and then modify it a bit for whatever you need it for, it really isn't a big deal. i've already asked 1 teacher for about 10 letters, and my GC for 7 (college & scholarships)...they just change the name of whatever it's for and I'm set. once in a while I'll need a new letter addressing specific points, and in that case I'll go to a different teacher or the same teacher and ask with plenty of time before hand </p>
<p>as someone else posted, don't forget to show your appreciation. a thank you card, a little gift, etc. also, a resume makes the letters a lot easier to write.</p>