Mistake in asking wrong teacher for recommendation

friedokra
Mon, 01 Oct 2007 11:56:24 +0000

Colleges know that not every recommendation is going to be a five star jumping up and down “you HAVE to admit this student” kind of recommendation. But they certainly don’t want a bad or mediocre recommendation either. RESPONSIBLE high school teachers also know this and if they suspect they can’t help a students application, would politely decline or in the case of a clueless student say, “you really need to find someone who knows you better!” That rarely happens. So it is assumed that because the calculus teacher accepted your request and did not express any reservations that he/she will do a fine job and has done lots of them before. Its okay if its a bit bland (I mean…it IS a math teacher lol!) so long as the overall recommendation is strong to superb. Some colleges accept almost as many recommendations as you provide, others are VERY strict and say ONLY TWO. So it depends on the college to some extent. If your college is in the former category then give your recommendation form to the other teachers as well and see what they say and submit them all.

If you suspect your recommendation from the calc teacher is less than stellar, meaning his/her assessment of your abilities and your maturity to handle college level work and integrity, then I suggest you politely ask that it be returned or simply ask him/her if its going okay and what they think your chances of admission are…they will undoubtedly give you a hint in that discussion (though not showing you the recommendation). If you get mediocre comments and bad vibes, then it really is their duty to inform you that they cant wholeheartedly help you…and they should return it to you, or destroy it and not submit it to the college. But from what you said, it looks more like a personality issue and wanting to have a teacher who is warm and fuzzy do it for you. So like I said, have BOTH of them do it if the college will allow more recommendations. Most recs fall into the “highly recommended category anyway” which is the norm. A few come in with reservations and that is unfortunate and really shows that someone is clueless and immature. And some come in that are incredible and amazing…and catch their eyes as well. Which is why you need to research in your high school who has a reputation for writing the best recommendations and if that teacher can help you. Its VERY rare that a teacher would accept the request and then trash a student. VERY VERY RARE. In my view, its unprofessional to do so. If they can’t help you, they have a duty to inform you and suggest you go elsewhere.