<p>this is really long but id really appreciate if someone could take some time to read this! it would help me sooo much. i know penn requires 2 recs and i know that my scientific research teacher will give me an awesome one. however, i dont know who to use for the other rec that i need and i am torn between two options to answer the question:</p>
<p>"What do you know of this student’s intellectual qualities? What are your impressions of the student’s academic priorities? We are especially interested
in any evidence you can give about the nature of his/her motivation for academic work—the breadth and depth of intellectual interests—the
originality, independence, and sensitivity he/she displays in course work—the quality of performance as compared to that of his/her classmates."</p>
<p>**also, the app says to pick a teacher in an area that your gonna major in or a teacher from another area that still piques your interest.</p>
<p>option 1: apush teacher who probably knows that im more into science than history but has taught for 14 years. i get one of the highest grades in her class each marking period. grant it theres only 13 kids in it. and i dont think shell necessary mark best in career since i am consistently getting the 2nd best test and essay scores, but shed probably put "outstanding [top 5% this year]" which is the second highest rating. the thing is, im not really interested in history. i just took it for the challenge since its harder than the other options i had. i think shed give a good rec though b/c one person told me that he got D's in her class, but his letter of rec made his mom cry. we have this gifted marking pd. evaluation where teachers can write comments and hers are always like full paragraphs saying "impeccable work ethic" and that stuff.</p>
<p>option 2: pre calc teacher who probably knows that i am committed to science and knows that i want to be a doctor. i want to major in bio and go to med school, so a rec from a math teacher is prolly more applicable than a history teacher. however, he is fresh out of college so this was his first year teaching and i dont think it would be too impressive if he marks "one of the best encountered in my career of <em>1</em> year". on the marking pd. eval, he also puts a paragraph of comments saying things like "one of the top students" and comments on my character saying ppl "naturally come to her for help". but there are other [i think more wishy washy] things like "sets a good example" "never complains." so i guess what im saying is that though he comments on my character, work ethic, grades, etc., i think he wouldnt be an experienced "recommendation writer."</p>
<p>thanks SO much</p>
<p>EDIT**
also, how would the admissions committee view one outstanding, super rec and one that is still great, but not as impressive as the first?</p>