Which teachers should I ask for a recommendation from? How should I ask?

jcmom716
Fri, 19 May 2017 01:06:18 +0000

@mangoeslover maybe you could have a sheet prepared to give the teacher so they know a bit about you? Our school asks the student to fill this out to help the teacher. My son is more on the quiet side as well. He recently asked his English teacher for a rec even though he is looking to go the STEM route. He just felt he had a better connection with her than the math and science teachers. He walked up after class and asked her if she would mind writing a teacher recommendation. They didn’t go through a whole list of colleges although she did ask briefly what schools he is interested in. She ended up writing a wonderful letter!

My point being, IMO I would go with your instincts on which teachers you feel would give a strong recommendation. You could even ask them if they would want a sheet with basic information on activities, leadership positions, etc. if they don’t know you very well. My guess is they would welcome it. Also don’t forget to write a thank you note later and teachers always appreciate a small token (we use Starbucks or similar gift cards). It takes a lot of their own time to write recommendations. Good Luck!