What should I do if a teacher declines my request?

Of course, it’s best to respect their decision and thank them for their honesty. Teachers are often busy, so it’s not a surprise that some may decline writing recommendations for students. To avoid getting declined again in the future, you should ensure you give teachers enough time to prepare for such requests. Last-minute requests are honestly a hassle for anyone, especially teachers. A good practice would be to list potential teachers long before application deadlines and before a month or so, go through each teacher on the list, and evaluate who knows you best, aligns with your goals, and is likely to write a strong letter.