<p>I've heard from a number of fellow rising seniors that I should ask one humanities and one math/science teacher to do my recs. However, I know that my humanities teachers like me best and therefore will write the most positive recs, so I'd like to weigh someone else's opinion on this. Also, would my choice of major have a big impact on whether it matters who I ask for a rec? For example, if I were to major in English would it be better to have both humanities recs than if I were to major in Biology, or would it even matter? </p>
<p>Additionally, and this is slightly off-topic, but is it imperative that I tell the teachers writing my recs about stuff on my permanent record (one detention for missing class, one case of academic dishonesty, both when I was an underclassmen)? Or would that be in poor taste? And if I do have to tell them, should I do so in person or via e-mail? Thanks in advance for your help!</p>
<p>Depends. If your major is in math ir example, have one math and one humanities. If your major is in the humanities then you’re in luck! Just do both humanities in that case</p>
<p>I looked at my alma mater (Brown). For a BS, they recommend one recommendation be from a math or science teacher, but for a BA, two humanities would be fine. Unless your school specifically requires a science/math recommendation, ask the people who will write you the strongest recommendation.</p>
<p>Presumably your GC will write whatever needs to be said about your permanent record. You don’t have to tell your recommenders anything.</p>
<p>on a related note, do you think it would be better to ask a foreign language teacher who i have had since 9th grade, or an english teacher who i had for just 11th grade? (for arguments sake, assume they would say similar things)</p>
<p>If you are aiming high, want stem and don’t include a math/sci teacher, what do the adcoms learn? My personal thought is always choose one you know can write a relevant rec, on a level that informs adcoms.</p>
<p>I don’t think you read this thread carefully. Before you get 2 humanities rec’s, check each college website. qialah was just talking about the options for Brown University and you might be applying somewhere else where they require one of each.</p>
<p>A recent teacher is always strongly preferable.</p>
<p>yeah, i definitely have one from a science teacher from 11th grade, my question was whether to use a foreign language teacher who i had 9th, 10th and 11th, or an english teacher who i had for 11th</p>
<p>@2014classof, I think several people already answered your question and they said the foreign language teacher. I concur.</p>
<p>That being said, I also have my own question, haha. I’m applying as an IR/econ/business major (different majors for different colleges) so would it be okay if I had 2 recs from humanities teachers? I don’t know my math/science teachers as well, although my physics teacher lets students write their own rec. Lol.</p>
<p>I don’t necessarily concur. It is not about how long they’ve known you or how much they “love” you. It depends on what you hope they communicate. You decide.</p>
<p>D asked her Chem teacher because he knew she had worked her butt off in a class that was not her strength. Her English teacher could speak to her natural gifts, but we thought it would be helpful to have a rec that addressed persistence in the face of adversity ;)</p>
<p>Try to get two teachers that have seen different aspects of you. Maybe an English teacher to highlight your analytically skills, and a M/S teacher for quantitative skills. I know lot of schools require that you have one of each, while some allow you up to three recommendations. If you can get three then get the two humanities teachers that love you, and at least one M/S teacher. </p>
<p>In relation to your record, your GC will handle it, but if he/she isn’t aware of the specific circumstances make sure you inform them from your viewpoint. (Especially the academic dishonesty which can be a big deal)</p>