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Winning Recommendations
Getting an average recommendation is easy. Getting a sparkling recommendation for an elite institution requires more planning. If you haven't already cultivated teachers who love you, start targeting some now.
Start with classes that you enjoy and have done well in. Talk to these teachers after class. Sign up for extra work. Find out if there are any extra-curricular programs that these teachers run. Your job is to cultivate a relationship with as many teachers as possible. We recommend that you target four teachers.
Absolutely stand out in your classes. When you have a project to do, yours should be hands-down the best. When you have big assignments, yours should be consistently good if not the example for the rest of the class. In addition to grades, you need to have exposure to your teachers outside of class. Some teachers are protective of their time, but even walking with them to their car after class can give you enough time to establish a relationship. Here are some tips for striking up a conversation:
- Talk about your extracurriculars. If you play a sport, talk about it. If you lead a club, talk about that. If you are comfortable talking about any relevant family travel, talk about that. Your job is to let them know the "complete picture" of your life.
- Listen to NPR (National Public Radio) or read the newspaper each day in the months while you're targeting teachers. While you listen or read, focus in on one or two big political issues. When you have a chance to talk to your teachers after or before class, bring up the issue and tell them what you think about it. They'll be thrilled that you even read the paper or know what NPR is! Most of your peers don't bother. It's sure to set you apart.
- Bring a copy of the Economist magazine to class. The Economist is the magazine of choice for well-informed professionals. You should be able to get it from your local library. Read the Economist casually in front of your teacher and then ask a question about one of the world issues raised in the magazine. This will make you stand apart from your peers.
- Approach teachers respectfully, but be confident in asking them for their time. Teachers who know you will have concrete, positive things to say about you when they writer your application. Every extra conversation you have with them is a plus.