Don't Overlook Recommendations from the Princeton Review

We all know that grades and standardized test scores are an incredibly important part of your college application, but the other stuff matters too. No matter what your "numbers" look like, chances are that there will be other people with similar scores who are applying to the same schools as you are. If admissions people have to decide between you and a person with similar scores, they will have to look at more intangible factors, such as those represented in your essay, extra-curricular activities, and recommendations.

 

 

 

 At many schools, especially the smaller ones, admissions officers are concerned about the type of person they are admitting to their school. They want someone who will be a positive addition to the school, contributing to the school community and making the school look good. Solid recommendations (schools generally ask for two) can help convince colleges that you are that type of person.

 

Start Early
You definitely should start thinking about recommendations well before your junior year rolls around. Right from the start of their high school career students should make an effort to get to know teachers. That doesn't mean you have to become a consummate brown-noser! It just means that you should take the opportunity to get to know teachers when you can. Go to an office hour now and then. Seek teachers' help or advice when you have a tough paper or want to discuss problems you had on a test.

By visiting teachers outside of the classroom, the teachers will have a better chance to get to know you academically and socially. Teachers who have such interaction with you can write more impressive recommendations, because it will be apparent to the admissions committee that the teacher actually knows you.

Who to Pick
Colleges see tons of recommendations written by teachers who know little about the student beyond his or her grades. To impress admissions committees, make sure you pick a teacher who knows you well, and who you're sure will write a persuasive and enthusiastic endorsement of you and your stellar qualities. Don't be afraid to ask a potential recommenders whether they feel comfortable writing such a recommendation for you.

Don't feel compelled to get a recommendation from a teacher just because he or she gave you your best grade ever. You're looking for a well-written essay from a teacher who knows you well or who teaches courses in a field of particular interest to you. (In other words, if you've written in your personal statement that you're a total science buff, make sure one of your recommendation is from a science teacher!)

Be Polite
Make sure that you give your recommenders plenty of advance notice that you want them to write your recommendations. And, don't forget to write them thank-you notes--they just helped you get into college!