English Teacher Recommendation

runxc8

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Jul 18, 2016
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So I know that the English recommendation has to come from a senior or junior year English teacher. I was going to submit my senior year English teacher to do my recommendation, but the only problem that I see is that the first week of school isn't even over, and I'm worried that having my senior year English teacher submit my recommendation now could be a possible red flag to admissions. It's not like the teacher doesn't know me because she knows me pretty well and has had me before. I'm just worried that admissions won't know that and would find it weird seeing a teacher, who has had me in class for 3 days, give me a recommendation. Does anyone know if I'm fine having her submit it now or if I should wait a few weeks?
 
So I know that the English recommendation has to come from a senior or junior year English teacher. I was going to submit my senior year English teacher to do my recommendation, but the only problem that I see is that the first week of school isn't even over, and I'm worried that having my senior year English teacher submit my recommendation now could be a possible red flag to admissions. It's not like the teacher doesn't know me because she knows me pretty well and has had me before. I'm just worried that admissions won't know that and would find it weird seeing a teacher, who has had me in class for 3 days, give me a recommendation. Does anyone know if I'm fine having her submit it now or if I should wait a few weeks?

My guess is that, while it's the first time you're doing this, it's not your teacher's first rodeo. He or she will understand the need to at least give a brief description of the basis for the things they are saying about you. Just my $0.02.
 
If your teacher has "observed" you for a significant amount of time (probably at least a few months) in the past, then that should not be an issue. Specifically, your teacher will be asked to provide free-written comments on you...she could write something along the lines of "Over the 6-months I have known Johnny, he is THE hardest working student I ever instructed." That way it is made clear to USNA that there was a significant observation period. I'm certain that USNA is not digging into the weeds and doing calculations on teacher recommendation submissions, but the above statement (or something similar) should clear any doubt.

I would recommend waiting a few weeks so that your teacher can have SOME observation time as a senior. Ultimately, the teacher is the one who has to feel comfortable...if that takes one week or two months.
 
the only problem that I see is that the first week of school isn't even over, and I'm worried that having my senior year English teacher submit my recommendation now could be a possible red flag to admissions.

I assume there's a reason that you chose to use your senior year English teacher instead of your junior year English teacher. You're thinking that the academy might think, "Hmm ... perhaps there was a problem between the candidate and their junior year English teacher" - right?

I wouldn't worry about it. Quite frankly, I don't think they're looking at such details very closely. I think they will be far more concerned with the substance of the recommendation they receive ... and that's it. You're giving the admissions department too much credit. :)
 
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