<p>I've been out of high school and college for several years now because I've been interning at my local museum so I could be closer to home while my Mom was sick (she died recently). I'm applying to some colleges and they all seem to want letters of recommendation from teachers and school counselors and samples of school work. The problem is that I'm not really in contact with any of my former teachers or counselors (didn't hang onto my homework either, much to my regret). I'm pretty shy and I doubt I made a lasting impression on anyone, certainly not enough to write a glowing letter of recommendation.</p>
<p>Can I ask my supervisor at the museum instead? Or my music teacher (I still talk to her frequently)?</p>
<p>Sorry for your loss. Definitely ask your music teacher, since she knows you the best. If they require a second reference, try to find a teacher at your old school who remembers you.</p>
<p>Also, don’t repress yourself. In this society, networking is extremely important. Express yourself and let your ideas and thoughts be known.</p>
<p>elvish: the purpose of the rec letters is to get an outside substantiation of your intellect, drive, leadership potential and character. Prolonged observation in a classroom is typical. However, you might have to go to a supervisor and music teacher as you suspect. What sorts of colleges are you targeting? To be frank, many only ask for a rec letter out of habit and don’t invest much in them, instead your academic history being the most important aspect evaluated.</p>
<p>My test scores (SAT and ACT) are really good, but my high school grades are less than stellar. I did take a few classes at my local community college, but not enough to make a huge difference. I’m really hoping that the recommendation letters will help them overlook my high school grades.</p>
<p>The schools I’m thinking of applying to are:</p>
<p>Mercyhurst University
Hampshire College
Sarah Lawrence College
Wesleyan University
Brown University</p>
<p>I’m not too worried about financial aid, my Grandma is more than happy to help out with any and all educational expenses. Obviously, the less I have to borrow fromm her the less guilty I’ll feel about it. </p>
<p>Hooray, my supervisor at the museum says he’ll happily write a letter of recommendation and I’m talking to my music teacher about it.</p>