<p>S needs to seriously examine which of his teachers will give him the BEST recommendations. If “inconsistent effort” and “capable when motivated” are his BEST, then he has painted himself into a corner that he might be able to get out of.</p>
<p>Personally the best advice I ever got about asking for recommendations was to never push for a recommendation if I heard the slightest inkling of hesitation from the person I was asking.</p>