I’m at the end of my junior year, and I’m starting to get really nervous about applications.
The first thing is teacher recommendations. I can’t think of any teachers that I could ask that would be able to give me a good recommendation. I never participate at all in class. Like at all. Or ask my teachers questions or anything, so even though I do pretty good in all of my classes there’s really nothing to go off of.
The next thing is that I have almost no extracurriculars. I have a part time job and I play one sport. That’s it.
And for the essay, I don’t know what colleges are really looking for. I wanted to start it as early as possible, but I’m struggling to find a good topic. Is it supposed to be super personal or just show good writing?
And finally, I don’t even know if it’s too early to even be worrying about/working on applications.
Your counselor may have a student data sheet that you fill out that describes things about you that any teachers you ask can use as a guide for writing recommendations. Also there are how to guides for writing college application essays. Try not to worry, you are starting early, you can do this.
It isn’t too early. Now is a good time, as fall of senior year gets very busy.
Pick teachers where you got the highest grades and are most interested in the subject. Teachers notice students who like their subjects and do well, even if they are quiet.
Regarding ECs, a couple thoughts. Could you do something this summer and next fall? Say, add a volunteer activity that you find interesting? (Just an aside, it is an election year, so that is an area with a lot of opportunity, for candidates or ballot initiatives you care about). But there are lots of other types of opportunities, too.
But you also should be realistic. High ranking schools care about ECs. Be sure your list includes some colleges where they are less important. Spend time this summer making sure you have a list of colleges that include matches & safeties you really like and can afford.
I will have absolutely no time next fall to do anything extra. I could maybe do something this summer, I’ll have to see.
I don’t think my school has data sheets for letters of recommendations. I think I might know of a couple of teachers I can ask, but I would just feel bad asking them to do that for me when I never participated or even really talked in their class.
Teachers write a lot of these. They are used to being asked. Don’t feel at all bad about asking. But asking soon is good. Don’t procrastinate too long. You can ask now.
You might think about for your own sake whether you can start participating more next year. In college and in the workplace, your future success may depend on it. It is a skill you should develop.
They might not write til then, but can you make the request now? Teachers do sometimes turn down students if they get too many requests. Unless your school has a rule or a teacher has communicated a rule, you can still ask now.
–Agree that you should definitely get your teacher recommendations lined up this year. Ask the teacher if he/she would be willing to write a positive letter of recommendation for college. My S was quiet and had no problem getting good LORs.
–A part time job and a sport are fine ECs for most colleges. The idea is to present what you have done in the best possible light. Keep the focus on what you have done, not what you haven’t done.
–The essay is not simply an exercise in showing you can write adequately, it is an opportunity to present something about you that can’t be found elsewhere on the application.
If you school doesn’t use a “brag sheet” you could find one to use on the web anyway. This gives your teachers ideas on what to write about. Our HS brag sheet includes activities that you participated in, personal goals, etc.
By you providing this information, it might appear that your teachers know you better than they do.
I also agree ask early while teachers are not over-loaded. Be sure to communicate (via email or in writing) your deadlines well in advance.
If I had a teacher that I felt like I was really close with and would be really happy writing a letter for me, I might be willing to ask them now, but like I said I don’t. My teachers barely know me. Even if I did ask them now, I’m sure their answer would be something like “ask me again next year when you’re actually applying” if not just no.
You are not listening to advice. Now is the time rising seniors typically ask teachers for recommendations. If you don’t choose to do so you risk that a teacher you might ask 1) prefers to write recommendations over the summer and/or 2) already has committed to write letters for a number of students and isn’t willing to take on any new ones. This won’t get easier by stalling.
All of my teachers that have talked about recommendations in class have said not to ask now and that they’ll say no to anyone that asks before the start of the next school year.
You don’t have to ask them to write it now. You plant the seed now for a letter in the future. Some teachers do letters on a first come, first serve basis.
“Hi teacher Smith, I am really enjoying biology this year. The unit on xyz was particularly interesting. While I know it’s a bit early, I’m starting to think about my college applications. I would be honored if you would write me a letter of recommendation in the fall. I’ll plan to come see you come in September and provide any information you may need from me. Thank you.”