<p>The teacher I'm planning to ask for recommendations has been hesitant to write recommendations for students doing even better than me. I did quite badly in the recent test but average at the tests previously for the subject. I've been working hard at it but somehow it doesn't show because I always get nervous at exams. What can I do to convince the teacher to write a rec for me? I know this is a very bad situation but I really have no other choice- the other teachers don't know me at all.</p>
<p>I would chose a class you are doing well in with a teacher you do not know well, over a class you are doing so-so in with a teacher who knows you better…esp given the information that the teacher has been hesitant to give recommendations. If the teacher had offered the recommendation, or you had a previous class with the teacher and they knew your capabilities then I’d advise differently, however the chance of a poor recommendation is higher. I’d chance a bland recommendation from a teacher who doesn’t know you as well but you are doing well in the class. Include an academic resume to make it easier for them and always ask first… “Would you be willing to write me a letter of recommendation?”. If they don’t feel they can they will more than likely make an excuse…such as the teacher you have mentioned.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, there is no class that I’m doing really well in. I’ve been doing well in one particular class but my recent grades just tanked. And I have zilch participation in that class. I really regret it right now but there’s nothing that can be done. How to convince the teacher to write a recommendation?</p>
<p>What about asking a teacher from last year in a class where you did well instead?</p>
<p>I take the same subjects and have the same teachers from last year… I’m an international student so my school system is different.</p>
<p>First, are you sure that the colleges you’re applying to even require rec letters? What are your target schools?</p>
<p>Yes, I’m applying to colleges that need 2 recommendations.</p>
<p>Hi,
it may be too late, but here’s some advice: if you are an international student from a different school system, your teachers may not be used to writing letters of recommendations for college admission and/or not for college admission in the United States, where recommendations are a lot more exaggerated than in other countries. For instance, an honestly very good recommendation in your country may sound very lukewarm in the US. So, try to make it easy for your teachers:
- Give them a little info about yourself: years in your class, grades, any projects/papers/presentations (with title) you may have done for them; any extra-curriculars, personal info that could be included.
- If they are unfamiliar with US college recommendations, try to find some examples on the Internet that you can give them.</p>