College applicants sometimes approach choosing recommenders strategically: Which teacher will “look” best (seeking to guess what might sway a college admissions officer to admit them)? Should the subject teacher match my intended major? Do I need the teacher whose class I aced?
I suggest starting the process to choose recommenders somewhere simpler:
Who knows you? Which teacher can attest to how a student learns, thinks, contributes to a group, responds to feedback, and interacts with others? Then, admissions readers will better understand the person.
The teacher doesn’t necessarily need to teach a subject related to a student’s intended major, although sometimes that connection makes sense. Typically, recommendations are required from academic teachers in English, mathematics, history, science or languages other than English. Yet, depending upon the college, other disciplines and character references may also be appropriate.
And, perhaps don’t automatically avoid the teacher whose class was challenging, or you earned a less than expected grade. Such a person may have watched the struggle, received the request for help, and noticed a student adjust their approach to improve. So, the teacher can provide meaningful evidence about how a student responds when life doesn’t unfold according to plan. Why wouldn’t a college admissions officer want evidence of a student who can problem solve and navigate challenges?
Junior and senior year teachers often make natural choices since both can discuss a student’s most recent development. Freshman and sophomore year teachers can sometimes make sense, too, particularly when they taught an advanced course or developed a meaningful relationship with a student.
Then, once a student has chosen, help the recommender remember you. When asked for a resume or brag sheet, share anecdotes about projects, discussions, challenges, accomplishments and moments that changed your thinking…from the class. Then, the teacher can personalize the recommendation and speak to their direct experience with a student.
A strong recommendation can help college admissions officers understand the human being who earned the grades.
Founded in 2003, Creative Marbles Consultancy’s advisors help students better understand themselves, crafting individualized plans to share their authentic selves with college admissions officers. Contact CMC to learn how thoughtful guidance can support your student throughout the college admissions process.
