Recommendation Letters

Applying to College
1

<p>I'm going to be studying abroad in the Fall and as a part of the application to the program I want to go with, I must get a letter of recommendation from a former or current teacher. I'm a quiet student but do okay. I've never gotten very close with a teacher, which I'm realizing I should start doing. </p>

<p>My question: should I ask my art history teacher from last semester? She has also just been assigned as my advisor for my art history major. I met with her last week and we had a great conversation and she commented on how well I did last semester and how well I grasped the information. Should I ask her for the recommendation? Like I said, she's my advisor and since we aren't close (even though I hope to start growing our relationship) and I've never stayed after class with her or visited office hours, I'm worried about her saying no and me having to still meet with her. I only got a B in the class which is why I'm so worried, but she knows I really tried I guess. </p>

<p>Thanks for advice!</p>

2

<p>Well, it depends. How competitive is the program to get into? Is it in a specific topic area that is or isn’t related to art history? It seems like this teacher likes you and sees some good qualities in you, so that is a plus. Maybe better to have a teacher who noticed and seems to like you do it than one who says to themselves, “Now who is this?”. I think you do have enough of a “relationship” now to ask her. You can make it easier for her by being prepared to provide some context for her (what is the program? Why are you interested? Why do you think you are well suited for it? How does it fit in with your career goals, if it does? etc.).</p>

<p>I do remember how hard this can be. When I finished my undergrad many years ago, I worked up the nerve to go see one of my profs to ask if I could put him down as a reference during my job search. I had only taken one class (a grad level class, we were allowed to take two of those) from the guy. He gave me an A, which surprised me (I didn’t know then that it is a lot easier to get an A in grad school than undergrad). He asked me a few questions about my career goals, and at one point laughed at me and said he thought I was aiming too low :slight_smile: Now I know he was right. He took a few notes while I talked, then said he would be happy to do it. I had been pretty nervous, so I was really relieved. But looking back, I think most teachers see this as part of their job to help their students along to bigger and better things, so don’t be shy to ask.</p>

3

<p>Thank you so so much! You made me feel a lot better about asking!</p>