Getting a Letter of Recommendation

I'm starting my senior year and I know I should be thinking about letters of recommendation for my college apps. What's the best way to approach a teacher for this? Any advice for choosing which teacher to ask?

It's fantastic that you're being proactive about this. Regarding which teachers to ask, you should mainly focus on two categories—those who know you well and can provide insight into your character, and those whose classes you did well in, especially if they align with your intended college major.

If you're planning to major in English, for instance, you should consider a recommendation from your English teacher. If you’re aiming for a Science degree, a letter from your Chemistry or Physics teacher could be beneficial. Essentially, the teachers should be able to speak to your academic abilities, work ethic, and potential in your intended field of study.

However, while subject relevance should be considered, what's most important is the depth of your relationship with the teacher. The teachers who know you well will be able to provide more specific anecdotes and a more personal understanding of your character, which can make a substantial difference in the effectiveness of their letters.

When asking for a recommendation, make sure to do it courteously and give your teacher plenty of time to write. Be sure to ask in person if it's possible, or by a thoughtful email otherwise. It's also a good idea to provide your teachers with a list of your academic and extracurricular achievements to assist them in writing a comprehensive and effective recommendation.

Remember, each teacher you ask is doing you a favor, so be respectful of their time, appreciative of their effort, and don't forget to thank them once your applications are in!