Which teacher for rec letter?

Applying to College
1

<p>I hope this is the right place to post this as I really need some help! Right now I already have one rec written for me by my 10th grade AP Environmental teacher. She really likes me and knows me well and I've been involved in extracurriculars with her since 10th grade through now. We have a very good relationship and I have no doubt that it's a great letter. I'm having a lot of trouble deciding which teacher to ask for my second letter though. Options:</p>

<p>-AP Chem teacher (11th grade): Likes me well enough I think, I got pretty good grades in his class (A-/B+) and a 4 on the exam. He's very outgoing and knows me pretty well personally. I think he would write a good letter but is it bad to have two science teachers?</p>

<p>-Ap Calc AB teacher (11th): I got straight A's in his class and a 3 on the exam. I think he likes me a lot/respects me, but he is not a very personable guy and runs his classes with military precision so he doesn't know me well apart from my grades. If I were to ask him he would receive a Naviance survey that I filled out about my extracurriculars, personality, etc (as would any teacher I ask). I have heard that he writes everyone pretty much the same reccomendation.</p>

<p>-AP Lang teacher (11th): I'm a very strong writer and got a 5 on the exam but only a B+ in the class (very few assignments given). Honestly, I didn't like him or the class very much. He only seemed to outwardly favor a few kids but I don't have a reason to believe he dislikes me necessarily, although I didn't participate in class as much as I could have. I really would like someone to be able to comment on my writing skills and I've heard it's best to have a science/math and an english/history, but I'm hesitant to ask this teacher.</p>

<p>-AP Studies teacher(s) (10th): My school does a block class of AP US and Honors English II with two teachers called AP Studies. Both teachers liked me quite a bit I think and I was a good student in their class (A-) and got a 4 on the APUSH exam. I haven't seen either of them much since sophomore year ended though, and also would it be bad to have two recs from sophomore teachers? I think either of them would write a good letter but I would probably ask the english teacher because I'm stronger in that than history.</p>

<p>-IB Spanish HL teacher (10th-12th): I have been very good at spanish in this teacher's class, straight A's. She encouraged me to take IB. This year I am certainly not the best in the class, and I struggle a little compared to everyone else. I write/read well but my speaking (and accent) are not great. Sometimes I get the feeling that she doesn't like me as much because of this. Definitely not the favorite. I do try very hard though. She knows me decently well after three years. </p>

<p>Sorry, that was very long and if you read it all thank you! I really appreciate any input as I'm feeling pretty stuck and I need to ask soon. I can answer anymore questions if that's needed, and just feel free to give me any opinion you have. Thanks!</p>

2

<p>First, you should go back through your list of colleges you want to apply to and determine which ones require what letters. What I mean is that some schools specifically state that they want one recommendation from an English teacher and one from a math or science teacher. Others don’t state and simply say “two teacher recommendations.” Your schools may dictate your choice – my personal feeling is that having both recommendations come from your sophomore year would not be ideal. What does your guidance counselor say? She or he will often be very familiar with what teachers write more appropriate recommendations and also which teachers might not be overwhelmed right now with too many letters to write… I would ask your guidance counselor.</p>

3

<p>Restrict your choice to 11th and 12th grade teachers. Typically that’s what colleges request.</p>

<p>Perhaps you’ve been overly self critical regarding how your teachers perceive you. That’s the way your post reads. Most teachers want you to be successful in your college applications and they will write letters stressing the positives rather than the negatives. With that perspective, and reading between the lines of your post, I would recommend that you pick the Spanish teacher (after all he has given you As and he’s known you for 3 years), and your AP Calc AB teacher (again the As matter).</p>

<p>Good luck on your applications.</p>

4

<p>^ Check the schools requirement. Some may want 2 different core subjects (some include foreign language some don’t), some want 11th or 12th (or 10th if it is for an advanced class). Most actually do not have much restriction and some do not even want any recommendation at all. I would first identify the teachers that know you more and would write you a good recommendation and then assign them based on the restriction. Do not restrict yourself unnecessarily as you may miss some great recommendations.</p>

5

<p>My suggestion: Spanish and Chem. Chem because he’s outgoing and knows you personally, and you did well in his class, and it sounds like you were leaning towards this one anyways. Spanish because you’ve had her for three years in a high level class and she knows you at this point. She wouldn’t have recommended you for IB if she didn’t think you were a good student. Maybe get Calc as well just to have three, but again, you said he doesn’t know you.</p>