I’m about to ask three teachers for letters of recommendation. They’ve all taught me for at least 2 semesters and know me well by now. Our relationships are good overall, I’ve earned their trust, and they like me as a student and a person in general. The only thing is, in their classrooms, I’ve made maybe one or two minor mistakes (not behaving myself) that I’ve been called out for. I don’t know if these occurrences, however rare, would prompt them to talk about them if they write me letters of recommendation; that is, if they write them at all. Do you think this would be a problem or would they move past it?
I highly doubt that a teacher would be inclined to say “I caught Johnny playing on his cell phone in class.” They might, however, mention some of your lapses in judgement that you’ve discussed on past threads. But perhaps an actual teacher can weigh in. @bjkmom ?
Yes, I think the cheating incident would hurt you.
I’ve written quite a few LORs for students. My favorite ones to write are for imperfect students. And no I do not include info regarding their silly, age appropriate behavior. They are kids after all.
ETA: I do not know what incident MaineLonghorn is referring to. But, if you were found cheating, you would not receive an LOR from me.
"The only thing is, in their classrooms, I’ve made maybe one or two minor mistakes (not behaving myself) that I’ve been called out for. "
If these “minor mistakes” consist of the issues you describe on your other thread - cheating on a test for an AP class and simulating a sex act on another student then be very, very careful how you choose to describe them. If you minimize things that colleges might consider more than minor, you appear to be downplaying your behavior and showing that you haven’t understood this is serious and made appropriate changes.
Your teachers know you better than we do, so you should probably talk to them directly about this. These were serious enough issues that you should ask directly If they will be discussing them or indirectly referring to them on the LoR. A LoR that directly or indirectly references academic dishonesty, sexual harassment or the lack of judgment associated with those things will tank you at many selective colleges.
on the other hand if the teacher adresses them, and shows growth folowing the incidents - that you learned from your mistakes - it might be looked upon more favorably. Talk to the teachers.
Your asking three teachers but have made two mistakes? Do you have any teachers who haven’t caught you cheating or gyrating?
The totality of your posts leads me to conclude that your teachers may be reluctant to describe you as having matured to a point that they recommend you without reservation. I would ask them directly if you can count on their support.
“Your asking three teachers but have made two mistakes? Do you have any teachers who haven’t caught you cheating or gyrating?”
LOL. Yes, those other teachers would be the ones to ask. To the OP, don’t ask, “Would you please write me a recommendation?” Instead ask, “Would you be able to write me a good recommendation?” Ask soon.
just finished asking teachers, and all three of them agreed to do it quite enthusiastically. not one was the least bit hesitant. idk why y’all automatically assume i’m raping anyone (did you even carefully read my other post) but whatever, none of em care. thanks anyways