Which teacher would YOU choose for a recommendation? (Long)

[elleNY]

Hi all, I lurk on these boards but decided to post a question to see if any of you can offer me insight. I'm a college grad (B.A.) and I am currently taking my prereqs at a community college in order to apply to a *competitive* Accelerated BSN program by March. I need two letters of recommendation and, although I plan on getting all A's and have on my exams/labs/assignments thus far, I really need STELLAR recommendations due to my less than stellar undergrad GPA (personal issues that will be explained via my statement). In liberal arts courses I feel like a teacher gets to know you better, hear your "voice" and what not, but in these science classes I feel like a lot of it can be more listening and quite cut and dry.. Based on my description of my teachers, which two would you ask for a rec? Thank in advance!

1) A&P 1 Lecture Instructor - PhD, sweet/nice, seems a little aloof..Lectures the whole class and seems either nervous or awkward when I ask questions, so minimal participation and only 3 graded assignments (exams).

2) A&P 1 Lab Instructor - PhD, seems like a hardass but runs her lab like its own class...Lots of assignments, encourages participation (I am a natural born participator lol) interacts with us more than lecture..Emphasis again on the hardass aspect, but I am leaning toward her... How do recs from lab instructors look?

3) Nutrition - Teacher has good sense of humor, seems cool, I am able to share my knowledge and participate more than other classes, there will be a paper so she will see my writing skills (which I am proud of)... I was leaning toward her for my second, but Nutrition isnt exactly a hardcore science class so this may not be good?

4) Developmental Psych..took this online over the summer..Although I never met the teacher, I submitted over 100 written assignments (Im serious lol) which included my research, theories, and opinions on psychological issues, etc.. I got A's on every single assignment, of which there were many. At times, I lean toward him because he has more of a sense of the inner workings of my thought process, but he has never met me and again this is a nonscience class.

5) Chemistry - PhD, expecting straight A's on all assignments..she has her "funny" moments but she is also stringent/anal and obnoxious at times, although I am kissing butt as much as possible given her tude.

I am also volunteering at a hospital-based crime victim treatment center as an advocate for rape/abuse victims, and at a nursing home..but the reco asks that it be professional/academic..I do work as a waitress and have been a valued and responsible employee for two years, but my manager is less educated (bad speller, even) and so I hesitate asking him, although he is a friend and would probably just ask me what to write...Should I include one professional and give him an outline?

Sorry for being so long winded..Given all the facts, what would you do? Should I tell the teachers now that I will be asking for one later or...? I hope I get some insight here and If I can help anyone else with opinions, let me know!

Elle

[caliotter3]

I would approach the academic instructors that you are seriously considering and find out who is willing to do the letter and see what they say. Go with the one who shows the most enthusiasm for recommending you or alternatively, one of the PhD science instructors. Good luck.

[ruaalien2]

Volunteer to me counts as professional, as it's a professional setting.

I'd go with either 2 of the professors or one of the professors and then a supervisor from where your volunteering.

[elleNY]

Thanks for your insight -- I will ask them about the volunteer thing! Anyone else care to comment?

Elle

[Sharawnda]

Thanks for your insight -- I will ask them about the volunteer thing! Anyone else care to comment?

Elle

I think that you are right with your initial thoughts of the people that you are considering...instructors in science classes are going to be more helpful that a supervisor in an unrelated area to nursing. I would go with the Lab instructor over a lecturer because they most likely will know YOU a bit better and are more likely to give a positive recommendation. If you have any hang-ups over people that might write you a questionable recommendation, avoid them all together. You'd be surprised that some teachers will agree to write you a recommendation, but then "trash" you or give you a less than positive review of your performance/academic ability. Be honest and straightforward when you ask, and perhaps be clear and say, "Would you be willing to write me a POSITIVE recommendation for this school?"

[elleNY]

Thanks Sharawnda!