I'm a pretty quiet kid. I never say much in class; I don't talk unless I HAVE to talk. I think it's pretty unnecessary to say things if I don't have a point or something relevant behind it. As a result, I just kinda blend in.

Now, I'm pretty sure that most juniors, like myself, are already thinking about senior year and all the colleges they're going to apply for. But there is one thing that bothers me the most...

TEACHER REC'S.

I'm actually almost deathly afraid of approaching a teacher next year and having them say one of two things:
"...Who are you again?" or "...No, I don't think I would be the best candidate for writing your recommendation."

Honestly, I won't blame the teach if they refuse to write the recommendation, but I'll probably just go curl up in the corner and die out of embarrassment and shame. X'D

Teachers can't seem to remember who I am. They'll literally mix me up with every other Asian girl, but they'll never mix up any of the girls' with me. I like to think that I have a pretty distinctive character, even if I don't say anything. Especially if I don't say anything, because everybody else talks non-stop. I'm always handed back the wrong papers, called by the wrong names, etc. So what if a teacher can't remember who I am or just completely mixes it up?

Now, I get the impression that class participation really has a huge impact on this. Not just because the teacher will remember you more, but because it also shows that you know your stuff and you're pretty confident. Talking is completely out of character for me. I do all my work, I don't disrupt class or others, and I do fine on tests. I even play well with others when I need to.

So, to get right down to the questions...

1) How big of an impact does teacher recommendations have on your admission chances?
If I don't have a fantastic rec, am I done for?

2) Is it 'inappropriate' to ask a teacher for a recommendation when I didn't particularly "participate enthusiastically" in their class?
In all honesty, I don't participate in any class, really. What do all the other quiet kids do?

3) Which teachers should I approach?
I know probably getting a teacher from a core subject would be better, but...
I was thinking about asking my language teacher, but recently she really seems to be acting really harsh towards me. She tries to find things to take points off for on my tests. I'm not an idiot and I'm not trying to completely blame her for losing points, but this is the impression I'm really getting from her, so I'm a little cautious asking her.
I also wondered if asking the art teacher would be a good idea...I'm an extremely art oriented person, but she always mistakes me for a different girl or doesn't remember who I am (I look familiar to her, but that's really about it.)

Anyone who has a similar personality and has already gone through this, I would really appreciate to hear your story and get some pointers!
And anyone who also has any good advice on how to approach the whole thing, it'd be extremely helpful.


Thanks a bunch to those who reply!

1.) Teacher recs are fairly important admission factors. Teachers provide insight on your character and how
qualified you are to enter the university of your choice. You can have an amazing resume, essay, SAT score, and
what not but if your teacher writes a recommendation saying some pretty negative things about you, I wouldn't
expect an acceptance letter right away from the university. Most colleges want well-rounded students. So if I were
you I would get to know some of your teachers.

2.) Well it depends. Did you do exceptionally well in that class? If you didn't participate much, then I wouldn't ask
that teacher for a rec because there's a huge chance that teacher doesn't even remember you. If you did exceptionally
well in that class, then I would ask that teacher for a rec.

3.) The teachers you should approach are those who remember you and know you fairly well. I wouldn't ask your art
teacher because she doesn't seem to know you. If she can't remember your name, then don't ask because chances are
she won't know what to write about. I chose my English and History teachers because they were the people who knew
me the best.

Like you I have a shy personality as well. What's surprising is that all of my teachers remember me because I excelled
in their classes and I was known to say some sarcastic/humorous things once in a blue moon. Since you're a junior
I would definitely get started talking to your teachers and participating in class. Teacher recommendations explain how
great or horrible your character is. If your teacher just writes that you're quiet, then the colleges don't see your potential
to succeed and they don't see how unique you are. You have to participate in classroom discussions because it shows
that you're paying attention and learning. Even if it makes you uncomfortable you have to be more outgoing because there
is no way for your teachers to remember you if you are silent. I felt uncomfortable talking during class, but I gradually got
used to it and started to participate more.

If talking more makes you absolutely comfortable, then my other suggestion is to do exceptionally well in all your classes.
Teachers remember the students who did exceptionally well in their class and the students who did failed their class. By
doing well, your teachers get an impression that you have a strong work ethic and that you're motivated to learn. Just
remember that there is a possibility that your teachers might write that you're too quiet or does not participate well in class
discussions on your recommendation.

Some colleges also accept recommendations from other sources like coaches, volunteer coordinators, managers, etc.
If you have a job, you can ask your manager to write you a letter (that is if you and your manager know each other pretty
well). I know a lot of my friends who are asking their coaches, tutors, and volunteer coordinators to write them a letter
of rec. The hospital I volunteer at writes letters of recommendation to those who have completed over 60 hours of
community service.

I wish you a successful junior year and good luck on your SATs!

-Mimsy

1) How big of an impact does teacher recommendations have on your admission chances?
You will need them if they are required. If you're borderline their expectations then you definitely need a great teacher rec.

2) Is it 'inappropriate' to ask a teacher for a recommendation when I didn't particularly "participate enthusiastically" in their class?
Unless you did great in the class then you shouldn't try asking then. Instead, let your current teachers know that you're interested in having them write you're teacher rec. Try asking teachers who are skilled in writing, makes a bigger impact. Rec's require resumes and stuff, so try asking them if you could set up an appointment where you can talk to them personally of your achievements, etc. If anything, ask your counselor to write your recommendation, hopefully they will do it.

3) Which teachers should I approach?
Those with excellence in writing. Teachers who you think will know you when reacquainted or teachers who know you did well in their class. Language (French, Spanish etc), history, English teachers have GREAT writing skills. They probably had the most interaction with students especially language teachers and will probably remember you.

I knew I would come across this problem in my earlier years so I prepared and said hi to my French teacher whenever she passed by. She remembered my name from freshman to senior year and she wrote my teacher rec

Try just saying hi to teachers whenever you see them. If you are desperate for a last rec then ask any teacher esp your english teacher to write it for you. Approach them in ways that you are grateful for them to write you a teacher rec!

Is it required to get reccommendations for only private school? Or UC too?

UC's and CSU's do not require teacher recommendations. Usually just private schools.

MIMsy:
Wow, I never really expected that teachers would write negative recommendations. Figured it'd be more reasonable for a teacher to refuse it then to write a bad rec. @_@
I was thinking about going to after school help more often just so it'd be easier to talk to the teacher and it wouldn't be 30+ kids trying to get her attention all at once.
How did you really get to know your teachers? Did you just kinda hang around and talk to them a litte?

Trinity<3:
That's a really good idea, asking a teacher who's great at writing. My English teacher this year is awful, though. (And the entire class agrees.) She's condescending and just really nasty overall.

I always say hi to my APUSH teacher, but mostly that's because I'm always the first one to get to the classroom XD. She remembers my name and doesn't mix me up with other kids, but I don't do super fantastically in her class, and when she calls on me it's really surprising so I end up giving mediocre answers =_=. If I talk to her more and participate a bit more AND study extremely hard to do well on tests, would she be a good candidate?

I figure I'll ask my Foreign Language teacher, and try to be more outgoing in math and apush...It's only October and I'm freaking out.

Thanks a bunch for answering! It's been making me really nervous +_+

From what you've written, I get a sense that you feel uncomfortable speaking out loud in class and actively participating in discussions, but that kind of stuff does matter and it's usually what gets you noticed by teachers. Teacher recommendations matter a lot when you're applying to private schools, and if you're a borderline student (you have A's and B's, some extracurriculars but no office positions or you don't seem dedicated to them, some or no community service, etc), they can make or break your admissions chances.

I got to know my teachers in high school very well by being active in class discussions, participating in clubs or organizations where they were the sponsors, and just talking to them and asking questions. They knew me academically (and in some cases, knew about my extracurriculars and volunteer work) very well, so they were able to write awesome recommendation letters for me. And it worked, because I got into some top-notch schools (Stanford, University of Pennsylvania, etc) *and* I received some huge scholarships (don't forget that a lot of scholarships also require teacher recommendations).

I used to be shy and quiet like you too, but you have to understand that professors are also going to expect you to actively participate in class discussions in college too. The more you participate and the more they hear you talk about your views and opinions, the more highly they'll think of you (and they'll also be much more likely to remember you). If you have aspirations for grad school, med school or law school, you'll also need great recommendation letters from professors then (I'm premed so I know they're especially important for med school!) You're just going to run into the same problem again in college if you just keep being quiet. I know it's hard but you need to try and get more involved, or at least let the teachers get to know you better.

han.yung
Going to after school help sessions are great. Your teachers will definitely notice you and notice the effort you're
putting in class. My teachers actually got to know me through my writing and work ethic. I worked extremely hard
in school and my teachers noticed right away. If you excel, I am definitely positive your teachers will notice and
remember you. My teachers also got to know me because of my comments during class. I usually said some humorous
or sarcastic thing that everyone laugh.

Anyway just be courteous and friendly. Smile when you enter the door, say "please" and "thank you," and just be
thoughtful.

Also, you don't have to ask your art teacher for a rec just because you're art-oriented. I'm more science/math-oriented
and I asked my English and History teachers for letters of rec. My English teachers know me very well because they
read my writing and understand my thoughts. The same goes for my history teachers. Most of my science and math
teachers never cared to learn everyone's names so I didn't bother to ask.

i highly doubt any teacher will say anything bad about you like "this kid is a delinquent" or whatever.
but what you do have to worry about is if your teacher ends up writing an extremely generic letter because he/she doesnt really know anything about you.

^ Once a teacher at my school like 5 years ago DID write a letter of rec that essentially said "I wouldn't accept this kid if I were you. He causes trouble, doesn't hand in homework, and steals." But apparently that kid went to the teacher like two days before the letter had to be sent in, and the teacher already heavily hinted that he didn't want to write the rec for him but the kid begged him anyways. So yeah, teachers can write negative recs for students, and that would automatically equate to rejection most of the times once an adcom reads it. But teachers usually don't do that so I guess you shouldn't worry OP.


1) How big of an impact does teacher recommendations have on your admission chances?
If it's a very neutral type of letter that just generally lists off things you're general things you're good at without any personal details from the teacher, then the letter doesn't really help you (but it won't be a bad impact either). A good letter would talk about specific examples of your strengths in the class or struggles you've overcome in the class. Teachers who write good recs would also ask for your resume so they can describe you even more personally, like they know what you do outside of class (and also have a chance to reaffirm any good qualities about you outside and inside the classroom; i.e. hardworker, or leadership qualities). If you were to be compared with another college applicant who was like you in every way, except that you had way better teacher recs, then you would be accepted first because you have teachers vouching for who you are. Of course, a negative rec from a teacher can almost equal an automatic rejection.

So I would really recommend that when you ask your teacher for a recommendation, first ASK. It really isn't hard at all, you just go up to them and politely/cheerfully ask "Mr./Ms. ____, I just wanted to ask if you would be comfortable with writing a recommendation letter for me to college?" This gives a teacher the leeway to say no if they don't feel good about writing one for you. Don't feel bad if they say no, it just means that they don't know you well or are too busy. If they say yes, ask them if they need any materials to help them better write your rec letter. Then promptly get the materials to the teacher in a folder within a couple days. The folder should have your name, and the inside the typical papers in it are: list of colleges you're applying to and their deadlines for teacher recs, stamped envelopes with addresses of each college written, the common app teacher papers for each college, and your resume.

2) Is it 'inappropriate' to ask a teacher for a recommendation when I didn't particularly "participate enthusiastically" in their class? In all honesty, I don't participate in any class, really. What do all the other quiet kids do?
No way! In my gov class, more than 3/4 of the class never says anything - because his class is mainly lecture-style with mainly side comments from students who bother to keep up with politics. And the 3/4 of us that usually don't say anything aren't as politically informed, so we don't bother. (I'm in that 3/4 of the class. ) But the gov teacher still had 20 rec letters lining up for him to do, and he accepted to do them all. And in classes like math, there is no way to participate beside answering the occasional math question.

As long as you do all the teacher's work, don't act out in their class, and get fairly good grades in their class, then the teacher shouldn't have issues writing a letter for you usually.

I'm usually a pretty quiet kid in most classes too! But my English teacher still loved me because I wrote well for all essay assignments, and because I always did nice artwork for the big English projects haha. As for my calculus AB class, I actually did horrible in the class last year. Got failing grades on a lot of the quizzes/tests, and only got good grades on the take-home assignments and wrote problems on the board almost everyday. I got B's the first 2 quarters and A's the last two quarters on my report card. (Actually, I had to kinda plead my math teacher to make my 4th quarter grade an A since it was a 88 lol!) And this same teacher whose class I did miserable in wrote a rec letter for me that won me a full paid scholarship to any college. :] She's actually a very nice teacher though.

3) Which teachers should I approach?
It depends on what major you're applying for in college. Typically, you ask one rec from a science/math teacher and one rec from a social science/liberal arts subject. But of course, ask a teacher who you think best knows you. Or ask the teacher who is super nice and bound to write something good about you if you haha. I have a Spanish teacher who is like your kind grandmother that only has nice things to say about everyone. But I prioritized my english teacher who knew me personally better, and my math teacher who can talk about me overcoming my struggles in math.

In college application cases, it seems suspicious and dodgy to adcoms if you for instance do bad in math, and don't have any rec letter from a science or math teacher. Because it might show that you have a weakness in science/math subjects. I would say, don't be afraid to ask a teacher to write a rec even if you don't do the best in their class. If that teacher sees that you still try hard, then they will probably still say something good about you. Of course, it is still best to get a rec from a class where the teacher knows you well AND you do well in their class.

I'd suggest you not go with a letter from your art teacher.... She seems to not know you very well. Unless you do really great art work in her class, and you're applying to an art school or as an art major, then getting a rec from an art teacher doesn't really benefit you much. Unless they know you very well, convey that in the letter, and speak highly of you. Just because your language teacher seems to be deducting a lot of points off from you, maybe she is just trying to make sure you don't make the same mistake again? However, I don't know your situation on that in depth so I can't really say.

Since you're still early in junior year, it's easily possible for you to just start participating more in class. (It's not even January yet.) Look for chances to raise your hand. Like wait for the easy or no-duh questions, and shoot your hand up to answer them. Just raising your hand once or twice every week will make your presence definitely known to the teacher. If the teacher assigned anything with a long-donkey explanation in class, wait till after class to ask them any questions you have about the assignment to confirm you heard/understood it correctly. It'll show that your dedication to want to do the assignment well. Or whenever you don't understand something being taught in class, ask the teacher in the early morning, during lunch, or after school. Come with specific questions to ask, not general ones. (i.e. ask how to do numbers 20 and 53 on page244, not ask something like "I don't understand the calc stuff in Chapter 7, how do you do it all?") When you ask teachers for help, it shows that you are at least trying to make an effort to improve in their class. Only meanie teachers would turn away a student who needs help.

I just sent in my ED app to a college 2 days ago, and I got my rec letters from my English and Calc AB teacher from 11th grade. So do the folder thing! Half the teachers in my school basically require it, along with the resume. Hope my long droning post helped you in some way. XD