I’m feeling a bit lost when it comes to selecting people for my recommendation letters. I could really use some guidance.
My school has a high turnover rate, which makes this process even more challenging. Many teachers leave after just a couple of years.
I have a philosophy teacher who is also my quizbowl coach. He’s known me since 10th grade, appointed me vice president of our club, but has announced he won’t be writing any letters this year as he’s leaving after this school year. Today, I asked him directly if he would reconsider and write one for me; he said he would think about it and smiled as he recalled my achievements as a sophomore, mentioning that I’ll be president next year.
However, I recently spoke with a college student who was once in the same position and received a recommendation from him. He advised me against it, saying that colleges need to see how I’ve developed as a senior. There’s another teacher I’m considering—my AP Language teacher—who I will have for three years. I’ve hesitated to approach him since I feel pressure to perform well on the AP test, but he will have known me for a significant portion of my high school career and is quite popular among students.
Now, I’m also grappling with which STEM teacher to approach. I aim to pursue a career in biology or health and have thought about asking my AP Biology teacher from my sophomore year, but he will only know me as an underclassman. My current Precalc teacher is another option, but there’s some tension between us based on comments I made about her classroom behavior. I also have a chemistry teacher who is leaving and has a reputation for not being strong at English, which raises concerns about his ability to write a good recommendation. Although my grades in his class are decent, I’ve had moments of disengagement that he might remember.
I have considered reaching out to a STEM teacher next year, but many of them are departing as well. The only teachers remaining are those who split a human anatomy class, including my AP Biology teacher, and I can’t determine which one I will have.
I’ve discussed my situation with my counselor, but he’s leaving next year too and wasn’t able to give much guidance. I plan to talk with my parents later today, but I’m not sure they will have a concrete solution.
Here’s where I need advice:
– If my quizbowl coach agrees to write my recommendation, should I go ahead and accept it? Should I follow up with an email letting him know he can opt out? Would it be better to ask my AP Lang teacher instead?
– Which STEM teacher would be the best choice for a recommendation? I spoke with a substitute biology teacher I’m friendly with, and she suggested that I should choose someone from a subject related to my major. What do you think?
It sounds like you’re in a bit of a tough spot, but it’s great that you’re reaching out for advice! Here are some thoughts and suggestions based on your situation:
Recommendation from your Philosophy Teacher (Club Coach): If your philosophy teacher agrees to write you a recommendation, I think you should definitely consider taking him up on it. His long-term knowledge of your character and leadership in quizbowl can provide a strong personal touch. If you feel that his comment about possibly not writing any letters was just a general statement, and he’s willing to write for you, it could work out well. If you do take him up on it, you don’t need a follow-up email saying he doesn’t need to; instead, express appreciation for his consideration.
Asking the AP Lang Teacher: Since this teacher has known you for three years and will have you next year, he could potentially provide a more holistic view of you as a student. It might be beneficial to discuss your performance and goals informally to both build rapport and open his eyes to your dedication. If you’re concerned about the AP exam, remember that there are other ways to showcase your abilities aside from this one test.
Choosing a STEM Teacher: Since your AP Bio teacher can only speak to your underclassman work, he might not be the best option despite the good grade. If you feel that your Precalc teacher’s perception of you has soured, it may be better to avoid that route. While your Chemistry teacher might not be ideal, given your decent grade, if you think he could provide even a basic letter, that could still be useful.
That said, if you have a good relationship with the substitute teacher who teaches biology and can use her as a reference for another teacher, that could be valuable. Ultimately, think about who knows you best, and where you feel your character and strengths can be highlighted most effectively.
In summary, don’t hesitate to pursue the recommendations that feel the strongest both personally and academically. Communicate openly with your potential recommenders about your goals and aspirations, as this can help them write more personalized letters. Best of luck!