Hello! I am a junior getting ready to apply to colleges starting this summer and I have two questions concerning getting letters of recommendations. Firstly, I have two teachers whose classes I have participated and been proactive in, established a relationship between both so I feel like they know me equally well, and both teachers have told me they would be more than interested in writing me a letter. I also have gotten the same grades in both classes. (I have already gotten a letter of recommendation from my bio teacher so I have to choose between these two teachers- one who teaches APUSH and the other who teaches AP Lang). Are there any characteristics between the teachers I should look for to determine who I should chose? And secondly, are there any tips for this process or general factors colleges look for when getting letters of recommendation? Thank you!
@zacademics College Confidential covered this topic in an article that may help answer your question in general. Read more here: https://insights.collegeconfidential.com/ask-teacher-college-recommendation-letter
A few things you could consider:
1: Teacher writing ability - what do they write in the margins about your papers, on your report card (if comments allowed), in email exchanges?
2. Do you have a relationship with either teacher outside of their class - ie: club, coach, advisor?
3. Which teacher can speak to your growth and which class do you feel you show more leadership in ?
4. Are you a top student in both classes? Would each teacher rate you that way?
I have been told colleges want to see a recommendation from two core subjects math or science and english or history, ideally. You have that covered. Always exceptions - also, recommendation from junior year teachers and a teacher that has taught you for a full year would be ideal.
From your post, it sounds like it is a “toss up” between the two teachers and that is a good place to be 
You may find the blog on College essay guy’s website (I don’t think links are allowed - never know if that is true or not) that talks about how to ask for a recommendation letter and key things to include in your ask to assist with the writing of the recommendation.
I think it would be nice if you finalized this request prior to summer, as it gives teachers more time to write your letter verses the Fall rush.
Good luck!
Thank you so, so much! This is truly helpful and I agree that it is a bit of a toss up but with your advice I think I have some factors to consider that will provide for the best letter of recommendation. Thanks again!
My daughter is planning to apply more than 10 colleges. Does the teachers write recommendation letters for each school or use same recommendation letter for all schools through naviance?