<p>I have been bawling for the past three hours over this, and frankly, I don't know how to approach this.</p>
<p>I have never been terribly good at math. I've always been into everything BUT math, to be blunt. I love and do well in all other subjects (A's and high B's in everything, including several teachers who have offered to write me recommendations) but I have the lowest grade by far (82%) in geometry. I try extremely hard in math, going in for extra-help, doing all my homework, getting tutored for six hours a week in math, and trying to get good grades on tests and quizzes. </p>
<p>However, I've asked my teacher TWICE now if he would be willing to write me a rec. for schools and each time, he has said "It's a bit too early for me to write that" which my dad thinks is the polite way of saying "I can't write you a good recommendation" I just don't understand. He commended me publicly last week for my improvement and is constantly saying how hard I work, but yet, he apparently doesn't think I'm good or worth-while enough to help me on this. My old math teacher doesn't seem to like me and didn't think I tried, and I'm just in a really tough spot.</p>
<p>What can I do to prove it more to him? I really am trying. Or did I just misinterpret what he said?</p>
<p>Maybe have a discussion with your teacher that there are firm deadlines for application. Let him know those dates. Then ask when he would be prepared to write the recommendation within those date guidelines. Also, have you explained that the schools require a form to be completed by current math and english teachers? Maybe explain that it is not a “recommendation” but a snapshot of your abilities and work methods…</p>
<p>I agree with what london203 wrote but maybe it is better for your math teacher to wait a little longer to write your recommendation. I am sure he knows how hard you are trying and wants to wait to see if you continue the good effort. Maybe he feels like right now he can’t write a stellar recommendation but if you are able to bring your grades up a bit and continue to work hard he will be able to write a better recommendation.</p>
<p>A quick note to agree with both london and buddysmom.</p>
<p>Re-reading your OP:
“I’ve asked my teacher TWICE now if he would be willing to write me a rec. for schools and each time, he has said ‘It’s a bit too early for me to write that’”</p>
<p>If you asked him after you’ve only had a few weeks of class with him, he’s arguably right. Also, he has not said “I do not feel like I can write one/I don’t think I can write a recommendation that would help you/No.” so you may be reading too much into things.</p>
<p>If I recall correctly, my kids asked their teachers for recs before the Thanksgiving Break and asked that they be turned in by the start of the Christmas Break. At their old middle school, all recs had to be given to Head of Middle School, who ensured that all bills were up to date before releasing transcripts/school report/reccos.</p>
<p>So A) try the timing I mention above; B) ask him (or have your folks if you feel too intimidated to do it yourself) if he feels like he can write a recco for you in the appropriate timeframe. If you are still getting nowhere by mid-Dec, I would speak to the principal/placement director (if your school has one) about it. Failure to turn in a current math teacher recco could result in your app being penalized or considered incomplete. I remember that other students in the past have inquired if getting a math recco from a former teacher could work in cases where current math teacher was unwilling/unresponsive or was “not a fan” of student. I have forgotten what advice people gave in these cases.</p>
<p>I am sorry to go a little off topic here…you may be a visual learner. I know this from my own history and raising my child who also is a visual learner. You may benefit from an online program such has Time4learning.com (or) A+ Math.com-this is a DVD both would be at your level. Others^^ have given you great advice here! </p>
<p>@london203 @SevenDad @buddysmom Thank you all so much! I asked him today if it was relating to him not feeling like he would write something positive and he apologized profusely and said he understood how I could misinterpret that (He said I was doing “awesome” 
) I will most likely ask him after Thanksgiving break (I can’t wait, personally!) and then get them in just before December 20th-ish. </p>
<p>Also @babykins Thank you so much for those resources! I am DEFINITELY a visual learner, and my teachers when I was very young used to note how I would secretly read or draw during math time, calling it “an escape”. I have tutoring tonight and I will ask my tutor her opinion on those two plans, but just by first glance, they seem very helpful! </p>
<p>I took a quiz today and I felt very confident in how I did! (Probably in the B+ range)</p>
<p>Awesome !!! Stay positive Historygeek40!!!</p>
<p>Is it assumed that students/parents will not have access to the letter’s content? I don’t see anywhere in the application where a student waives this right (unlike in college applications). </p>
<p>From the SAS site…in an application materials checklist:
“Confidential Teacher Recommendations Due January 31
Please give your English and Math teachers the recommendation forms. They should be completed after December 15 (so that the teacher can write an informed recommendation on your fall term) and mailed directly to St. Andrew’s.”</p>
<p>For HistoryGeek40 and heartburner, this statement suggests that A) the reccos should be filled out later rather than sooner, to give the teacher more time to assess your progress and B) that the review is considered confidential and should be mailed directly to St. Andrew’s…not given to the student/parent to review/mail.</p>
<p>@HistoryGeek40, on your other thread ( Bad middle school grades… ) you discuss having ADHD. Does your math teacher know of your condition? Do your other teachers? Have you gone through the official school process to gain testing and classroom accomodations? (see my comments in other thread). At the least tell your math teacher that you are working hard despite your disability, not giving up, and determined to succeed. Any teacher worth her/his salt is going to recognize your strength of character and admire you for it. I do.</p>
<p>Second point, a wise mentor of mine once said" No is a slow yes". No just means no for now. So you don’t get what you want today. Tomorrow is another day. SevenDad speaks true - asking before Thanksgiving is best. In your case, ask again as you plan to do, make sure you reveal the ADHD thing, including your backstory about the several years you have been struggling with it. Make sure the teacher understands the deadlines. You will be fine.</p>