<p>If their recommendationn could be improved (given that you see it), how do you approach them about it in a respectful manner?</p>
<p>Oh, the college program I'm aiming for doesn't have one of those forms in which you waive your right to see the rec. So I'm taking advantage of that.</p>
<p>I think it would be sort of rude to ask your teacher to change it, regardless of how you ask. Although if they are still in the process of writing it, I guess you could "reminisce" with them the good moments you had in the class.</p>
<p>What changes do you want made? If the teacher didn't mention something major you did such as submit a 50-page paper with original research when the assignment was a 10-page paper with one source, then it would be appropriate to courteously ask for the info's inclusion.</p>
<p>If the teacher didn't mention something like your grade in the class or if the teacher said you were a "good" student not the best student the teacher had ever taught, it wouldn't be appropriate to ask for a change.</p>
<p>When requesting recommendations, it's a good idea to provide the recommenders with info about where you're applying, and to provide teachers with things like copies of excellent papers or tests that you produced for their class. Otherwise, they aren't likely to include such specifics because no matter how outstanding you are, you will recall your accomplishments more than your recommenders will.</p>
<p>You may wish to remember that the recommendation will also give contact information. So even if the teacher "changes" it to reflect what you request, there exists the possibility that the admissions vetting team may follow up with contact and learn the recommendation was mitigated, which might not reflect well on you.</p>
<p>Recommendations are generally not a negotiated process in my books. First of all, it is the teacher who must answer to their internal integrity in recommending you, so they are not in a position to receive your advice. Secondly, teachers are generally well aware of the appropriate language and concepts in a recommendation letter, as they are asked to write many. They may know something you do not in choosing to structure a recommendation in a particular way.</p>
<p>-Hoping to be helpful.</p>
<p>
[quote]
What is a nice way of asking your teacher to modify their recommendation?
[/quote]
There is none. If you don't like the recommendation as written, thank the teacher and ask that it not be sent. Otherwise, thank the teacher.</p>
<p>You shouldn't be able to see your recommendation in the first place.
It strips it of honestly and legitimacy.</p>
<p>I am surprised you got to see it, also. At our school students absolutely do not see their recommendations. Students are counseled to chose their teacher's wisely and teachers are supposed to say "no" if they don't feel right about doing one for that student (and they do say no) or write as positive a rec as possible.</p>