CCanomaly

A lot of people are disappointed when they see their AP scores, but I think I take the cake here on CC. I got a 1 on biology. Yes, a 1. There are a lot of reasons why this could have happened. It was my teachers first year teaching AP bio, it was MY first year with any AP classes (maybe it wasn't such a great idea to start out with three AP classes without ever having any experience), I was nervous, etc. I'm guessing that it's because I haven't ever really been that great at biology. Anyhow, here's my dilemma.

I got along really well with my biology teacher, she knew about my passion and I did well in the class (I got an A, always participated and tried real hard) so I figured I would ask her for a recommendation. But now I really wouldn't feel right asking for one because of my results. If a student sat in your class for the entire school year and still only got a 1 on the exam, would you write them a good recommendation? Once my teacher finds out my score what if she thinks I didn't comprehend the material at all? I guess I'm just iffy because I'm trying for some really hard schools (UPenn, Georgetown, etc.) and I need a good recommendation but now I'm afraid I won't get one. This only adds on to the stress of deciding whether or not to report the scores (if I don't they're going to know something is up. If I do then the score is just going to make me look incompetent.)

Do you think my teacher will still write me a good recommendation? Or should I find another teacher? I'm also iffy on asking another teacher because I don't get along with a lot of my other teachers. A friend of mine suggested asking my english teacher because I got a 5 on that exam. I would, but I didn't really care for his class and I had the worst work ethic when it came to english. Will the AP score affect how my teacher thinks of me or should I just avoid the issue all together and find another teacher?

froozle

if you have a good relationship with your teacher, a bad AP score won't change that
she will still write about your participation in class, interest in the subject, how you're eager to learn etc...the only thing is without an AP test score on your report, it might look a little odd
i would also recommend you take the score off your report
the best thing to do (in my opinion) is take the score off and get another teacher to write the rec (the problem with that is that you don't have another teacher...)
but i think if you ask for a rec from your bio teacher it will still be fine

hawkphoenix

Only you can determine if the teacher should write you a rec. We don't know your teacher as well as you do. However, I can tell you that a bad AP score will not hurt you as much as a bad SAT or SAT II score. If you have a good relationship with the teacher and she will still put in a good word for you, why not? Maybe you're just not a good test-taker. The teacher can't really do anything about that.

omgitsover9000

hurray for grade inflation

toledo

I think the teacher is the one who should be feeling bad about your "1". It sounds like you did everything that was expected of you in the class. I'm sure
she'll write a very good letter for you.