<p>So I'm guessing most highly selective colleges want 2 teacher recs and 1 counselor rec? How does this work because from reading people's stats on the "what are my chances" board, some people didn't have a chance to read their recs. What if your teacher writes a bad one?</p>
<p>You have to pick teachers that you have a good reputation with.</p>
<p>And most kids have to waive their right to read their recommendations as a school policy. But you should know if a teacher can write you a good recommendation.</p>
<p>mh93 is right. Pick teachers you feel you have exhibited the strongest work ethic in thier class and you get along with well. When you approach a teacher to ask, don't be too straightfoward like saying "Can you write me a teacher recommendation?" Doing this could make the teacher feel uncomfortable and awkward and will probably inevitably say 'yes' and write you a crappy recommendation. Instead, ask politely "Do you feel you know me well enough to write me a recommendation?" Saying this would leave an easy way for a teacher to bail and say "No" without hurting your feelings and who would have written a not so good recommendation in the first place. If your teacher hesitates at all, then move on. That's how students know whether thier recommendation would be good and minimize the chance on a teacher writing a bad one. Also, teacher arn't out to get you. If you ask a teacher, and the teacher knows hey dont have anything good to say, they'll be upfront about it most of the time. It might be a good idea to ask the teacher yourself, if he or she will write a bad recommendation. They won't lie.</p>
<p>EDIT: Hmm, now that I reread my post I didnt really answer the OP's question.. Oh well, +1 for my post count.</p>
<p>oh well, i thought your post helped atleast with the whole hesistant factor!</p>
<p>and plus, if the teacher is in very close relationship with you, he or she might ask you if you want to read what he/she wrote. My friend last year got to read one of his recs, and it was fantastic.</p>
<p>yea getting to read your rec would be good</p>
<p>Make sure you give them an activity sheet that way they can include some of your school activities and I would recommend asking a teacher who writes well. You may be an excellent calc student but if your math teacher can barely form a sentence it might be better to ask your history or lit teacher. trust me I've learned from experience.</p>