Letters of Recommendation Help

dvgroff
Sun, 03 Jun 2012 01:49:27 +0000

I am sophmore in high school and I will be applying to Stanford in 2 years. I really like Math so I am planning on applying to the Engineering Program. With so many qualified students applying to Stanford, I understand that the letters of recommendation become very important in ones application.

I have researched Stanford’s view on the recommendation letters a lot and I learned that they want the teacher to compare the student to the rest of the class regarding (a)participation, (b)academic achievement, and (c) passion. Essentially, Stanford wants the student to REALLY impress the teacher to the point where he/she is among the best students the teacher has ever taught. They also encourage you to get recommendation letters from teachers who teach a field that you are interested in entering (Engineering).

Since I want to go into Engineering, I would like to get a recommendation letter from my Math teacher. He is among the best teachers I have ever had and I will have him for 2 more years; however, he is also very stubborn and arrogant at times. In addition, I do not think that he would consider me as a student who stands out from the crowd. Although I get good grades in his class, there are others who get better grades. Also, I am very quiet and focused during his lectures, so I do not participate a whole lot.

I do not want this to damage my chances at Stanford. Ofcourse, I could get a letter from another teacher; however, Stanford encourages getting a letter of recommendation from a Math teacher if I am applying for Engineering. I still have 2 years left with this teacher so…Do you have any ideas on how I can build a relationship with this teacher, stand out as one of the better students he has ever taught, and display my interest and passion for Math to him?

PS: I’m not trying to manufacture a ‘perfect’ recommendation letter and put words in my teachers mouth. I actually do want to become better at Math. I also believe that Stanford would like to see a Math recommendation letter and I think this teacher could write a very sincere, honest letter to the admission officers.

Thanks