Juniors, this fall when you complete your college applications, many schools will ask you to submit at least one letter of recommendation from a teacher. Unless a college requests something different, teacher letters of rec should come from solid subjects (math, English, science, social science, or foreign language) that you’re taking right now. The junior year will be the most recent full academic year when you apply—the freshmen and sophomore years will be ancient academic history.
Over the next few months, make a special effort to do your best work in your favorite classes. Ask questions. Contribute to the class discussion. Show your teacher that you’re interested in the material. Do a memorable project or presentation.
Remember, colleges will see your grades on your transcript, but teachers' letters are how colleges learn the story behind your grades. Make the most of these last few months of your junior year and give your teachers some great academic stories to tell about you.