<p>I have never asked anyone to write me a rec letter before because I usually avoid applying for anything that requires one. But upon receiving the invite for UCLA’s regent, I have to get out of my comfort zone. I have two people in mind to ask. One is a random school counselor who has done graduate work at UCLA (according to his bio). Do you think it’s weird if I make an appointment just to ask him to write me a rec letter? Another person is my current English teacher (short story lit teacher) who I’ve had for the past 8 weeks. I never talk in class and don’t go to his office hours so all he knows is my name and very little else. Who should I ask? </p>
<p>I have to say that I find it unfortunate that students do all sorts of great things at their respective schools, but don’t make personal connections with any notable authority figures. I’d say that your best bet would be the counselor, but it is hard for them to write a compelling letter in your favor if they know nothing about you. I recommend writing a letter to the counselor and include a transcript and resume along with a request of a letter in person. </p>
<p>^ agreed</p>
<p>I’m personally asking my philosophy instructor/advisor, whom I’ve taken two classes with and who has helped me run a club for about a year.</p>
<p>@jenling01 Have you had a teacher for more than one semester and you did well in his or her class? If you do, I would ask that teacher even if you don’t have a personal relationship. Your current English teacher will most likely not write a well written lttr of rec since he doesn’t know you. Are you involved in any clubs? Maybe ask your advisor in that club? If not, your last choice should be the school counselor. Make sure you bring your personal statement that you submitted for uc apps, your resume (if you work or have previously worked), any information you want your counselor to address in the lttr of rec. I would go in as soon as possible because most people will say give me a week or two to complete it. Good luck and congrats on getting the invite! I envy you. </p>
<p>@WhiteTiger84 Thanks! But this is just the beginning since they’re gonna whittle it down to only 100 applicants 
I had the same teacher for Calc 1 and 2 but it was last semester so I doubt she remembers me. I did well but wasn’t even one of the top students and wasn’t memorable in any way. I thought my English teacher might work cause he specializes in writing and could throw in his creative skills to craft me a good rec letter. The counselors at school are as clueless about me as my Eng teacher but they do have a record of all my grades and writing rec letters is a part of their job I guess. I prefer my English teacher but I don’t want to seem out of line and bother him. Anyway thanks for the advice about bringing in my own materials for them to work on so they have something to start with.</p>