<p>I've been debating with myself which teachers to choose to ask to write my recs. I will be applying to top schools.</p>
<p>On the one hand I have a teacher who I know could write a "standard strong" recommendation. It would be extremely safe but would not give me much "sparkle". I've studied one class with him. He is the teacher everyone goes to ask for recommendations.</p>
<p>My other choice is much more of a risk. She is a very quirky teacher who's quite difficult to read. I've studied three classes with her (gr.10-12 English) so she has seen my improvement and would be able to offer lots of anecdotes. I was always her top student. She is an excellent writer with a compelling style and 30+ years of teaching experience. Problem is, she is very intimidating and not the most approachable teacher. She is very ambiguous about her opinions of students. People rarely ask her to write recs. This rec could either soar or tank for me. </p>
<p>Should I take a risk or go for the safe bet?</p>
<p>Certainly don't take my words to heart, but I believe that going for the risk could give you the best reward. Just go ahead and approach the teacher who is hard to approach, and make sure to gauge her reaction. (A simple question like, Mrs. Blank, I was wondering if you would mind to write a college recommendation for me? or something of the sort) If her first reaction is reluctance right off the bat, politely retreat as fast as possible and get the safe recommendation. </p>
<p>If she is reluctant, either she doesn't like you, or doesn't like writing recommendations, or a combo of the two. But if she says, sure! then make sure to ask her what paperwork she'd like in order to write the recommendation. Also, give her at LEAST 3 weeks if not a month to write it and send it in, and give her a thank you card. She'll appreciate you a lot more.</p>
<p>You might even want to go so far as to ask her if she'd be willing to write you a strong letter of recommendation and ask to meet with her to discuss the schools/programs you're applying to. Don't forget to mention how much you've learned in her classes and how you think she is the teacher who probably knows you best after having you in class for 3 years. And definitely give her enough time to get the letter done, as fa-la-la-lena said. Don't you need more than one recommendation?</p>
<p>Maybe I'm just insane, but I actually asked my teachers what they thought of my performance directly when I was in HS. Maybe I've just had good teachers, but one told me flat out that she didn't think she could write a recommendation for me that would really be of value. </p>
<p>I would definitely use the "reverse interview" technique for some teachers, similar to what eg1 recommended. If your teachers know more about your educational goals (not just your college choices), they will be much more on board with you.</p>
<p>Definitely go for the second one if he accepts. A teacher who writes lots of recs doesn't have the time to give each one closer attention and could hurt your chances, especially at top schools.</p>
<p>Talk to the risky teacher about your college/career plans, and ask the teacher what they would be able to say about you in a recc. If what they say sounds good, ask the teacher to write the recc.</p>