4 Tips to Build Relationships With Teachers Before Recommendations
by Sarah M.
Recommendations from your teachers are vital to most applications, and particularly those for college. Still, they can be a mysterious part of the package, for students, since you do not get to see them.
While there’s nothing you can or should do to directly affect what a teacher says about you, there are 4 tips you should keep in mind as you begin high school, in order to be more prepared when you need to ask for a recommendation. The bonus is that that all of this will help you not just on your applications, but also in your classes.
Tip 1: Take the time to engage with your teachers, especially in the subjects most important to you. This can begin with simple manners: introduce yourself to new teachers, and take the time to greet them by name and make small talk.
Always be prepared in class of course, and make yourself helpful if there are any small tasks that need to be done, like handing out papers, tidying up in lab, taking notes on the board, etc. Though this kind of basic engagement might seem obvious, you’d be surprised how rare it can be!
Tip 2: Engage intellectually as well. Participate in discussions, and try to answer questions when they are asked, even if you’re not completely sure of your answer.
If it’s a day or a class when no one else is feeling talkative, volunteer yourself! Teachers almost always care about the effort more than getting everything right – participation is more important than perfection!
Tip 3: Seek your favorite teachers out outside of class as well. Hang back to ask lingering questions, or to try out a new idea you had. Some teachers have office hours, and if that’s the case it is always a good idea to go!
Students can be intimidated by this kind of discussion with teachers, but it’s a great time to go over assignments, to talk through anything that isn’t quite clear to you, or to ask about material that hasn’t been covered. Thinking of questions you could ask to expand your knowledge is also, of course, a great way to learn more and faster!
Tip 4: When possible, pursue independent work with your favorite teachers.
This depends on your school, and it’s usually more relevant to upperclassmen, but often there are opportunities for independent studies where you can design a project that you work on yourself, with the help of a teacher.
This is a great way to forge a closer relationship, and to show your initiative and commitment to your subject. When you’re an advanced student, you can also offer your assistance in beginning classes when that would be helpful (such as in a lab course), or as a tutor/study group leader for your teachers’ other students.
