Have we talked about this before? Because I think we have–but it bears reminding juniors that the recommendation letters your teachers and counselor write for you are often more important than you think. You’ve got two teachers in mind (always ask two) because you like them. You presume they like you. What else? You did well in class; or you didn’t start out well, but you really worked hard and persevered and pulled that grade up. Both great. But what else will they say? Do you show great passion for the material? If so, go above and beyond to develop that interest. Do you help out others in class or lab? Go in to talk to the teacher during free periods or before school if you need help? Think about what that teacher would say about you that goes beyond the ordinary ‘she really understood the material’–it’s not too late to work on this before the end of the school year. Colleges look at your class rigor, grades, and test scores first–that’s what puts you in the mix. When it comes down to a handful of applicants and only one spot, though, this is where the recco letters (essays and other activities) can make a difference.