<p>I’ve just found out that the person who i was going to ask for a recommendation next year (when i’m a senior) will be leaving the school in two weeks to work somewhere else? how do i approach them about the recommendations? what will i do? i’m fairly certain that i will not see him in a while…how do i ask him? as you can see, i’m freakin’ out.</p>
<p>Just talk to him. If you can keep in contact with him next year, it shouldn’t be that big of a problem i think.</p>
<p>Ask him right away if he would be willing, then work up a cv and perhaps an anecdote that can be used to make the rec more personal. Ask him to give it to your GC. If he is too busy right now but is willing, ask for his contact information so you can contact him during the summer. Do so ASAP.</p>
<p>…but i’m still a little unsure where i want to apply…</p>
<p>The rec is not meant to be addressed to a specific college. Teachers write only one. A copy will be made by the GC for each application. What you need to tell the teacher is something about your general plans: eg. if you are interested in the social sciences, want to go to med school eventually, are interested in politics or if you shine at science, etc… The teacher does not need to know whether you’ll be applying to HYPS or Podunk U.</p>
<p>The teacher could also give you the letter and you can copy and send it - that’s what my d’s teacher did when he left after her junior year. (There’s no issue about waiving your right to see the letters. That just means that you can’t demand to see it if your teacher doesn’t want you to. If your teacher gives it to you voluntarily, you’re fine.)</p>
<p>You are lucky you found this out in advance. Two teachers we counted on for great recommendations left right before senior year and we had no way to contact them. The new teachers did not really have much to say in the fall when recommendations were needed.</p>
<p>Agree totally with marite’s and Chedva’s advice. At some high schools (my son’s, for example), students ask teachers for recommendations at the end of junior year. They haven’t finalized their list of colleges yet at all. It gives the teachers a chance to write the recs over the summer, if they so choose. If this teacher agrees to write recs for you, it will be no problem that s/he is leaving.</p>
<p>You will find out how best to keep in touch with her and can email her your school list next year and/or send forms/stamped addressed envelopes.</p>