<p>Hi everyone, I'm a first semester freshman at a school I really don't like. I got all A's this semester except for one C. Do you think it would be a good idea to ask for a recommendation from this professor, to show that I wasn't being lazy and that I was really determined to do well, it just didn't go my way? The class is a 200-level physics class, I was one of only three freshmen in it. I also took an even higher level physics class that I got an A in. </p>
<p>Any thoughts? Recommendations? My top two choices to transfer to right now are Barnard and CCNY.</p>
<p>Choosing to get a LOR from a prof where you got a C in a lower level course vs. an A in a higher level course seems pretty straightforward, don’t overthink it.</p>
<p>Entomom-I’m sorry, maybe I should have been more clear. Both physics classes were 200 level, just the one I got an A was a bit harder than the one I got a C in (205 vs. 201, respectively.) Anyway, I think this is a legitimate question.</p>
<p>Would this professor give you a good recommendation? If all they can say is that you worked hard but you got a C in their class, then that’s not a good recommendation.</p>
<p>Baktrax-I think so. I’m hoping it could be about my determination, that my background is very different than the other students’, how I worked to improve over the course of the semester, etc. </p>
<p>Honestly, she was a pretty bad teacher. But I was always nice and respectful and we got to know each other well because I always went to office hours.</p>
<p>Ope211, the thing is that you won’t see the recommendation. It’s a risk. You should expect that the professor who gave you the A would have more positive things to say than the prof who gave you the C. She may like you personally, but if you’re found wanting academically in her eyes, that’s NOT what the prospective college wants to hear.</p>
<p>Think what you like, but please don’t put words into my mouth. Yes, it is an obvious choice to ask for a LOR from a prof who’s class you got an A in rather than a C. </p>
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<p>I wouldn’t recommend asking for a LOR in this situation. But again, I’m just giving my input, this is your decision to make.</p>
<p>Entomom-sorry! I wasn’t trying to put words in your mouth. I was just joking. I appreciate the input. I’m just trying to figure out how to make the situation known to the colleges, because this one C looks pretty bad next to three As.</p>
<p>ope, sorry for the misunderstanding, let’s start over.</p>
<p>I’m guessing that you are asking about getting a LOR from the C class prof in order to ‘make up’ for the lower grade by having her discuss your work ethic, determination, etc. If so, I now understand where you’re coming from. However, I guess I still think that you should go with your strengths, which would be your other prof who hopefully will discuss those qualities as well as positive comments about your academic capabilities and accomplishments. </p>
<p>I understand the C is bothering you, I think just about every student feels this way at some time (myself included, although long, long ago ;)), but I’m not sure it’s beneficial to you to focus on it. Instead, let it go and emphasize your strong points. A strong mid-term report will also help to solidify your academic record.</p>
<p>Entomom-thank you, that makes sense. I think I will go with that angle and aim to get straight A’s come mid semester. I’m not too worried about my classes this semester as I am usually strong in pure math.</p>