How to Get Strong Recommendations for College

College Admissions with Mark and Anna

Early Action deadlines are here, and if you haven't secured your teacher recommendations yet, it's crunch time. But here's the thing—how you ask matters just as much as when.

In this episode, Mark and Anna break down the real talk: when to make your move (ask in person, not email), why sophomore year is the time to start building those relationships, and which teachers actually belong on your list (spoiler: one STEM, one humanities, and maybe a backup).

They'll also cover what teachers actually need from you to write stellar letters—think Brag Sheets with concrete stories, not AI-generated lists—plus practical timing, materials to share, and when it makes sense to add that extra recommender (coach, employer, mentor). Learn how to respect their time (good letters take 60–90 minutes!) and align your recommendations with your overall application narrative so they actually help you stand out.

Whether you're a busy junior planning ahead or a senior in the thick of it, these actionable tips will help your recommenders write the vivid, specific letters that move the needle.