Teacher Recommendations

Applying to College
1

<p>Do recommendations have to come from a teacher from a core subject for the Common App?It says from an academic subject (English, Math, science, social studies) but would an elective teacher count (I want to ask my law teacher).</p>

<p>Also, I need one more recommendation. I don't know if I have a warped view on this because all of my friends who asked for recommendations say the teachers they asked from 'loved' them. I can't say any of my teachers 'loved' me (apart from my law teacher), but I did have teachers who I was respectful towards and did all my work for. I'm a pretty good student in all AP courses this year (senior year and honors/ap courses in junior year). My school is pretty huge and I'm shy, so some students got to know teachers better than I did. </p>

<p>Even though I didn't participate a HUGE amount like the outgoing kids, I still was respectful and did my work and did well. I also tried to make an impression by saying you know - good morning, hello, whatever. Should I bother asking some of my other teachers (besides law) for college recommendations?</p>

<p>I'd like someone to answer who is/was in my shoes. I'm just so shy and I'm always kicking myself for not participating a little more. But should I still ask? The way I see it, I should only ask teachers who I established sort of a 'personal' connection with. Most of my friends are much more outgoing than I am, and sort of became friends with their teachers. </p>

<p>Gah, I'm just sooo scared and nervous!</p>

2

<p>I’m shy too, but remember that teachers are writing recommendations teachers not as friends. Yes, it’s great if you guys are friends, and they certainly need to think highly of you, but that can be within an academic setting. I think Law would count as Social Studies (Law is a social thing…and you’re studying it) but I’m not 100% sure. Ask one or two of the teachers whose class you do well in, and who respect you, and then provide a cover letter and any information they need to write you a solid rec. I was soo nervous too, but they did the recs and everything turned out great. You’ll be okay :)</p>

3

<p>On second thought, maybe ask the law teacher if he considers his subject a “Social Studies” subject to be sure</p>

4

<p>Thank you so much, this makes me feel a lot better!!</p>

5

<p>If they want academic teachers, that generally means from the five core areas, not electives (even if they are technically “social studies” electives).</p>

6

<p>If you want to be extra sure, I’m sure that you could give the admissions office I ring as to whether they consider law “core” enough. Certainly would be in my books, but I suppose it’s best to double-check</p>