<p>Just curious because a teacher asked me what UC is looking for in teacher recs (he ususally teaches sophomores, so he doesn’t usually write many college recs). What sort of things are they looking for? Please don’t give me vague, mystical answers like ‘your true self’ or ‘24’.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>If I said 42, would that be better?</p>
<p>(Sorry, geek humor, had to).</p>
<p>Try to encourage your teacher to be specific. (Imagine how many recs must start off, “Miss Silvestris is a marvelous student and would be great for the University of Chicago”). Can you remember a project you did for the teacher, a debate you lead, a concept you grasped? Talk to your teacher about your favorite experiences from the class and see if maybe you can remind him of a moment or two in which you really stood out.</p>
<p>Have you done anything outside of school where your teacher has served as an advising role? That should be mentioned.</p>
<p>What did you gain from the teacher’s class? What kind of learner do you think you are? How did the class help shape you, help teach you how to love learning, help make you think about yourself in new ways?</p>
<p>If you sit down and conference with your teacher about who you think you are and what you think you gained in his class, I think your recommendation letter could turn out very strongly.</p>