<p>I was planning to apply to the University of Chicago…however, they require one recommendation from a math or science teacher. Unfortunately, I have no idea who I would ask…since my math/science teachers are either 1) not natural English speakers, 2) retired, or 3) probably do not remember my name. My college counselor also informs me that many of these math/science teachers do not write well. I understand that recommendations are very important… Is there any way around this recommendation? I might just have to ask my senior calculus teacher…would that look bad?</p>
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<li><p>They won’t blame you if a teacher cannot write English well, particularly if you are an international student. It’s certainly good to have a teacher write a rec who can communicate well and clearly, but that’s not always an option. </p></li>
<li><p>It’s fine to use a senior year teacher, but you may want to consider applying regular action instead of EA in order to give yourself more time to get to know your teacher.</p></li>
<li><p>You can try to get in contact with a retired teacher and ask for a recommendation. Many good teachers are more than happy to write recs shortly after retirement–it also means the teacher will have more time to focus on your rec specifically.</p></li>
<li><p>Don’t skip the math/science rec. It’s a requirement. They probably won’t throw your application out if you miss it, but you should definitely get it anyway.</p></li>
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<p>haha…unforutnately, i’m not an international student. applying RD would be a better option…thanks :)</p>
<p>You can "help "your teachers to remember you and write a more valuable recommendation for you by providing them with a “resume” of your interests, grades, memories from classes you have taken with them, etc…</p>
<p>If you want a good recommendation, please do not choose someone that you have to “help” remember who you are.</p>
<p>Well, you do need a math/science rec, so I’m going to agree with mpm on this one.</p>
<p>However, consider sending in a third rec-- this time from a teacher whom you think would also do a good job-- if the math/science one doesn’t come through just right.</p>
<p>The retired teacher would be more likely to have time to write the rec, and might be happy that you thought about them. If you can make the contact, it wouldn’t hurt to ask.</p>
<p>thank you for the replies 
i think i’ll try to ask my current math teacher…i hope to supplemental that with a stronger rec from a teacher who knows me well.</p>