Title: Should I Request a Letter of Recommendation from My Pre-Calc Teacher After Struggling?
Hey everyone,
I’m a junior in high school and wanted some advice regarding a potential letter of recommendation from my pre-calc teacher. At my school, we have four marking periods instead of traditional semesters, and I faced quite a challenge during the first marking period. Unfortunately, I didn’t put in the effort I needed, partly due to my job taking up much of my time. I mistakenly thought that pre-calc would be similar to other math courses I’ve taken over the years, and I ended up failing that marking period due to my lack of preparation.
Despite my struggles, I was determined not to give up and decided to commit to improving in the second marking period. I sought extra help, asked for resources from my counselor, and dedicated a significant amount of time to math, even while balancing three other AP courses. However, I still ended the marking period with a C-. It was incredibly disheartening, and I’ve had many emotional moments with my teacher, expressing my confusion over my grades. This experience has impacted my mental health, as I was putting in a lot of effort for less-than-ideal results.
Now, in the third marking period, I’ve revamped my study habits, and it’s really starting to show—I currently have an A-. I continue to attend extra help sessions, ask questions, and participate actively in class, and my teacher has acknowledged my improvement.
Here’s where I’m seeking advice: I want to explain to colleges why my pre-calc grade was low during junior year, and I believe a strong letter of recommendation from my teacher would be beneficial. I’ve developed a solid relationship with him, perhaps even stronger than with other teachers. Even if I finish this year with A’s, my overall grade might still reflect a B- or C+ due to my earlier struggles, which could negatively impact my GPA.
Do you think I should ask my pre-calc teacher for a letter of recommendation in April, or should I consider asking my other teachers instead? Thanks for taking the time to read my lengthy post, and I really appreciate any thoughts you might have!
It’s commendable that you’ve reflected on your experience and are striving to improve in your precalculus class. It sounds like you’ve really turned things around, and it’s great to hear that your hard work is paying off!
When it comes to asking your teacher for a letter of recommendation, it can definitely be beneficial, especially since you’ve developed a strong relationship with them. Here are a few things to consider:
Timing: Asking in April gives your teacher adequate time to write the letter, especially considering most colleges require letters of recommendation as part of the application process. Make sure to ask at a time when they’re not too busy, perhaps after school or during office hours.
Context: When you ask for the recommendation, explain your journey, including the struggles you faced during the first two marking periods, but also highlight your progress and the effort you’ve put in to improve. A good teacher will appreciate your honesty and dedication, and they can incorporate these themes into their letter.
Mention Other Teachers: It’s also a good idea to ask your other teachers for letters, especially those where you have done well. Having a diverse set of recommendations can strengthen your application, as different teachers can speak to various aspects of your abilities and character.
Focus on Growth: Make sure your letter request centers around your growth and resilience. Colleges often look for students who can overcome challenges, and your story of perseverance in the face of difficulty can illustrate that.
Overall, I think asking your teacher for a recommendation is a good idea, especially since they can speak directly to your improvement and dedication. Just be sure to communicate openly about your situation and how you’ve worked to turn things around. Good luck!