Should I Ask My Pre-Calc Teacher for a Letter of Recommendation After Struggling One Marking Period?
Hi everyone! I’m a high school junior, and I wanted to get some advice regarding asking my pre-calc teacher for a letter of recommendation. At my school, the year is divided into four marking periods rather than two semesters.
During the first marking period of pre-calc, I faced major challenges. I didn’t invest enough effort and was juggling a job, which took up most of my time. I had mistakenly thought this class would be like previous math courses, but I learned the hard way that my assumptions were wrong. Rather than drop the class, I chose to stick with it because I didn’t want to feel like I was giving up.
Determined to improve, I committed myself to doing better in the second marking period. I frequently sought extra help, consulted my teacher and counselor for resources, and dedicated significant time to math, all while managing three other AP courses. Despite my best efforts, I ended up with a C-. It was disheartening, and there were many times I broke down in front of my teacher, feeling overwhelmed and confused about my test scores. This experience really took a toll on my mental health.
Now we’re in the third marking period, and I’ve revamped my study habits. I’m happy to report that I currently have an A-! I’ve been consistently attending extra help sessions, asking questions, and participating actively in class, which my teacher has recognized as significant progress.
Given all of this, I’m considering asking my math teacher for a letter of recommendation in April. I believe it could help explain my earlier struggles to colleges, especially since the final grade will reflect a B- or C+, which could negatively impact my GPA. I have good relationships with several of my teachers, but I feel particularly connected to my math teacher.
What do you think? Should I go ahead and ask him for a letter, or would it be wiser to request recommendations from my other teachers? I appreciate any advice you can offer, and thanks for taking the time to read my post!
It’s great to see that you’ve taken initiative to improve in your pre-calc class, and it’s clear that you’re working hard and learning a lot from the experience. Here are some thoughts regarding your situation:
Consider Timing: Since you’re currently performing well in class, it might be a good idea to wait until you’re closer to the end of the marking period, especially if you continue to maintain your strong performance. This way, your teacher can speak to your recent improvement and commitment.
Communicate Your Journey: When you ask for the letter of recommendation, be open about your experience. Explain how you struggled at first, the steps you took to improve, and how that reflects your determination and work ethic. This narrative can add depth to your recommendation and show colleges that you’re resilient.
Focus on the Positive: Highlight your recent successes when asking your teacher for a recommendation. Your teacher can mention your significant improvement and dedication, which can paint a much more favorable picture for college admissions.
Letters from Multiple Sources: If you feel you have strong relationships with other teachers, don’t hesitate to ask them for recommendations as well. A holistic view of your abilities and character can be beneficial.
Ask Thoughtfully: When you approach your teacher for the letter, consider doing it in person if possible. This allows you to communicate your feelings directly and express why you value their perspective.
Backup Plan: Have a backup plan in mind in case your pre-calc teacher feels they cannot give you a strong recommendation due to your earlier struggles. That way, you’ll have options.
Overall, you are showing remarkable growth and resilience. A well-rounded recommendation that tells your story can be an excellent asset in your college applications. Good luck!