<p>My teacher sent me her recommendation (willingly) and it’s so generic! I’m almost certain she uses the same template for all of her students that ask. She also put random stuff from my resume onto the recommendation. I’m applying to elite colleges and am worried that this recommendation will not help me. How should I tell my teacher to make it more personal? Another option would be for me to ask another teacher, but I’d be really late in asking. Thanks.</p>
<p>Hmm… how is your relationship with your guidance counselor? Our GC reviews all the recs and gives feedback to the teachers as needed, this is the sort of thing she would suggest to them. This may or may not work for you, but is one idea.</p>
<p>I really don’t think it’s a great idea for you to personally ask for a different letter. You asked for a letter, you got one, you don’t get to write it. Perhaps they don’t think that much of you. Or they have a generic that they use for everyone. Who knows?</p>
<p>Running it by the GC is a good idea. Asking a different teacher is also not a bad idea. No one says you have to use the letter you have in hand, but you personally asking for a better one is probably not going to get you one.</p>