Recommendation question--I need your advice!

Parents Forum
1

<p>I've got a problem. I need to get a teacher recommendation for a competitive program (and college admissions recommendations are looming in the future). I know which teacher I should ask--He's a teacher who is also involved in many clubs I am in. He's been helping me pick out colleges, and he would have great things to say about me if I asked him to write a rec.</p>

<p>He's essentially the perfect teacher to ask for a recommendation. One problem: HE JUST DOESN'T WRITE WELL. He's an extremely intelligent person, but he just can't communicate that on paper. He's getting a higher degree and often has to write short essays, and he has me or one of my friends (who is also close to him) edit it for him. He loses the point often, and his style is way more cluttered and confusing than it should be for someone his age. </p>

<p>So the question is -- he has great things to say, but should I ask him to write the recommendation? Will it hurt my chances at the program/at elite colleges when I ask for him to write a rec? If I do, should I suggest he have someone take a look at it and maybe edit it?</p>

2

<p>If it comes from the heart, then it doesn't have to be sophisticated. But you have to watch out that he gets the nuances right.</p>

3

<p>If this is the teacher who knows you the best and has good things to say about you, I would go ahead and ask him. It sounds like he is aware of his limitations as a writer if he makes it a practice to have his essays read by someone else. It's possible he'll do that with his rec letter also. (he may even give it to you to make comments before he submits it).</p>

<p>Many students give their recommenders a list of things to work from - it could be a generic "brag sheet"/resume thing, or it could be individualized to focus on things you've accomplished in that teacher's class. That might help ensure that your teacher covers important points and might help him keep the letter on track.</p>