<p>Do you think its okay if I chose my grade 9 religion teacher, who ONLY taught me in grade 9, and in religion, which is something not relevant to my major? </p>
<p>Also, I recall that I did below average in his class. I am concerned that the admissions committee will be discouraged by the fact that he taught me so long ago, and that I didn't do so well (87% final which was STILL below average, don't remember by how much though). </p>
<p>I know that most people get teachers that taught them all throughout high school or from at least soph- senior year, but never freshman year!!! </p>
<p>However, he REALLY knows me (personality wise and habit wise) and my aspirations! Frankly, his faith and hope for me to succeed is much more than I even think I deserve!! </p>
<p>Also, if he expresses in his letter how I was able to maintain the great connection throughout all 4 years of high school, (he's also my Extended Essay Mentor this year; it's an I.B. Essay requirement), would that be alright? Like we always catch up in the hallways and update each other on our lives! He definitely has seen me grow as a person.</p>
<p>Do you guys think the grade discrepancy could be unreliable to the admissions committees? And my below average performance in his class? </p>
<p>Note: my other teacher options know me really well, but don't know me AS well as this one, but have taught me for 1-2 years and I have done well in their classes!! So i am really confused as to who to chose!</p>
<p>Please, even if you just read this, I would REALLY appreciate any perspective out there!! Thank you SO much!</p>
<p>I’d stick with a junior or senior year teacher. Perhaps this 9th grade teacher might be a good person to write a supplemental recommendation, particularly if you need one for a scholarship application or an honors college application.</p>
<p>While religion may be mandatory st your school it is not a core academic class. You would be better served getting a junior or senior year teacher in either the humanities (English/ Social Studies), math or science.</p>
<p>Hi, cecilia87, the answer to your question is on the admission requirements web page for every school to which you are applying. Some schools do have flexible rec requirements, but if any school on your list asks for the more standard “two recs from junior year teachers in core subjects,” then don’t waste that teacher’s time–go get the recs you need. If you submit this teacher’s rec in the face of such a directive, all you will prove is, you can’t follow directions. :eek: </p>
<p>No, I would not use him for your main teacher recommender. But since your relationship is ongoing and he is mentoring you for the IB essay, I suggest you usehim as an extra recommendation. You should use a core subject teacher who knows your work well and can speak of your academic accomplishments. Generally this means a teacher from your junior year.</p>
<p>I agree with the above: by all means ask him to write a rec. But also ask 2 teachers from junior year. I think that 3 or 4 recs, in addition to the GC (who is all to often completely useless) is the ideal, as long as the extra recs are meaningful and not repetitious.</p>