<p>I'm having a bit of trouble choosing the second teacher recommendation. On one hand, Teacher A taught me AP History and AP Gov, but on the other hand, I think I'll just get functional--nothing bad, nothing particularly good--letter. With Teacher B, he's only taught me an economics course. But he'll write me a much better letter; he knows me better and is a better writer. Thoughts?</p>
<p>This is an easy choice. Teacher B, even though he has only taught you in one class, because . . .
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<p>I totally understand that, but doesn’t it matter that he’s only taught me one, non-honors, non-AP, course? I know on the common app it asks the teacher which courses he taught.</p>
<p>No, it doesn’t.</p>
<p>I agree. No it doesn’t. You want a teacher to write you a great letter of recommendation – like the examples on MIT’s site: <a href=“http://mitadmissions.org/apply/prepare/writingrecs[/url]”>http://mitadmissions.org/apply/prepare/writingrecs</a>.</p>
<p>Is there a teacher C who can be like teacher B? Teacher A’s letter may hurt you if you feel that it’s going to be neutral- you really want to try to get a letter from a teacher who can really say something strong about how you are in the classroom (more than just your academic prowess).</p>
<p>Teacher A’s letter won’t be neutral. Maybe I phrased that incorrectly. It would be pretty positive–we get along very well and I did really well in class. It just won’t help me because I think it would be pretty cookie cutter. </p>
<p>There is a Teacher C, however. She’s like a legend in my school. Her recommendation would be top notch, and she has told me that I’m a really good writer–“writer’s gift” or whatever that means. However, I totally slacked off in the beginning of the year in her class and yeah, I’m sure that would be reflected in her letter. Also, I’m scared of her. </p>
<p>Teacher B is also a really good writer. It’s just that aren’t we also told to choose an honors or AP teacher?</p>
<p>Thanks for everyone’s opinion, though. I’m leaning toward Teacher B.</p>
<p>^^ Good choice!</p>
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<p>Once again, no.</p>
<p>Does it matter if Teacher B only taught be a semester course? As in half a year.</p>
<p>It doesn’t matter how long, or what they taught you. As they know you well. Some teachers can teach you for four years and never know you. Or they can teach you for half a semester and know you really well.</p>
<p>Don’t worry.</p>
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<p>Absolutely not. FWIW: Both my son and daughter had recommendations from teachers who only taught them for one semester – and the classes were not at the AP or honors level. What matters is the quality of the recommendation, not the length of time the teacher had you in class or whether the class was regular, honors or AP.</p>
<p>Okay thanks so much. I felt like I was other thinking this. Thanks!!!</p>
<p>Hey everyone sorry to keep asking questions, but I just figured out that the course my teacher taught is counted under “business.” Does that still count as an academic class?</p>
<p>Yes. Why shouldn’t it be? There are courses for business even in college and surely those are academic classes. If you’re unsure though, ask someone in your school.</p>
<p>There aren’t any rules for who should write your letters of recommendation, but it’s probably safe to say these two are true:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Unless you are applying as a Physical Education major, don’t have your gym teacher or sports coach write your letter of recommendation.</p></li>
<li><p>Unless you are applying as a Music major, don’t have your band teacher, choir director, or vocal coach write your letter of recommendation.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Colleges are looking to hear about your potential as a scholar in the classroom. They want to hear that you raise your hand often and lead thoughtful and intelligent classroom discussions. That your opinions are respected by your peers and teachers alike. </p>
<p>If your business teacher can attest to that fact . . . great! If not, find another teacher who will.</p>