Teacher Rec Questions (help)

Applying to College
1

So I have 2 teachers and my research mentor, all of whom personally asked if they could write my teacher recommendations (or in the mentor’s case, the supplemental recommendation). However I face 2 dilemmas.

First Dilemma (pretty small one)
Both of the school teachers are in the science department. One is my AP Chem teacher and another is for my honors Engineering Course. Is it alright if I send two recommendations in the same subject area, or should I look for a teacher in the humanities area? (BTW I am aiming for an engineering major)

2nd Dilemma
Some of the colleges recommend that I send recommendations from teachers in my 11th grade and 12th grade. However, my AP Chem teacher taught me when I was a sophomore (I’m a rising junior) and the other teacher taught me when I was a freshman. I know I can wait for junior year, but both of these teachers really really know me. The AP Chem teacher helped me with my science fair project and we used to eat lunch and talk about current research and all sorts of “sciencey” things. I feel like he knows my potential for research and deep minded thinking. The other teacher is the sponsor of my Engineering club of which I have been the president and founder of for 2 years. She knows my full leadership potential as I make all accommodations and directions for the club. She was also my teacher representative when I went to ISEF so she also knows my skill in science and math.

So can I still submit recommendations from these two teachers or should I wait for junior year teachers instead?

If I submit recommendations from these two teachers (who taught the young high school me), will my profile (http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1792963-which-hypsm-college-s-should-i-try-early-action-for-p1.html) make up for any holes or doubts the admissions office might see?

2

A freshman-year teacher will be relying on vague memories of a version of you that is two years old, when you apply to college. Not a good idea. I’d stay away from the soph one too, if at all possible. You’re thinking about this a bit too early.

3

Even if the ninth grade teacher knows me really well today (cuz she’s the sponsor of my club)?

4

You’re thinking about this too early. When you come up with a spreadsheet of colleges to apply to, make a column for their LoR requirements. Some do not want supplementals, some want junior/senior year teachers only, some want teachers from different subjects (for example, Princeton). Some just want LoRs from the teachers who know you best.

If you have either of these teachers again junior or senior year, they would be great LoR candidates. If a school isn’t specific about grade levels, a teacher who has taught you and mentored one of your school activities would be great.

5

I agree that you are thinking about this too early. While it is great to show initiative and start thinking about college in advance, letters of rec aren’t really something that you can plan right now. If you have either of these teachers junior year then you can definitely ask them!! But for now, I would focus on doing well junior year and building strong relationships with your other teachers. Revisit this next spring:)

6

k, thnx for all of your responses. I will definitely wait and consider this later.

7

You’re a rising junior. You ask teachers at the end of junior year. You have time. And yes the teachers should be from 11th/12th grade. It might be a requirement depending on the colleges.