<p>You see, I’m the type of person who participates in class, does all the homework, am respectful and helpful. But I can never strike up a personal relationship with teachers. I’m planning to apply to some privates, so should I try to do so? I don’t want to seem like a kiss-up (which I always do, b/c I never try to be friends with teachers). Will I be much less competitive, to the point that I shouldn’t even bother applying? Because honestly, my extracurriculars aren’t too great (I have one leadership position in a club I’m really involved in, but it’s nothing remarkable, and do other extracurriculars that I like), and I’m an Asian upper class person so no hooks there. My grades are good, but I’m no 2400 AP State Scholar type of person. I have no strengths 
I would happy to go to a UC, but I still want to dream of Stanford and MIT and Princeton. Sorry I totally digressed. Back to the teacher recs…should I try to become friends with my teachers and how? This seems so fake though, although I’ve always wanted to be one of those students who could joke around with their teachers. Any advice, not just on the college admissions level, but on the moral/human level?</p>
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<p>Then you’re probably fine. They’re writing an academic recommendation about what you’re like in the classroom…developing a good relationship with a teacher doesn’t mean trying to befriend them like they’re a peer or something.</p>
<p>Teachers don’t write rec letters for their “buddies” only. Do you think they are so venal as to write postive rec letters for their “pets”?</p>
<p>You should discern the purpose for rec letters. Have a read here:
[Writing</a> Recommendations | MIT Admissions](<a href=“http://mitadmissions.org/apply/prepare/writingrecs]Writing”>How to write good letters of recommendation | MIT Admissions)</p>
<p>Then see who is best able to deliver one of these on your behalf.</p>
<p>You don’t have to be all buddy buddy with a teacher in order for them to write a rec letter for you. You just have to have shown that you are a good, hardworking student. Thats what the colleges are looking for in a rec letter.</p>
<p>Don’t force it. Some kids connect with teachers on a personal level others don’t. If you are a hard worker and engaged in class, your references will be just fine.</p>