<p>I'm applying to top schools like Yale and Columbia, and I've already contacted my AP Bio and AP English teachers about recommendations. I did well in both their classes, and they agreed happily to write my letters. However, I'm concerned as to the importance of rec letters in admission. Though I was a good student and the letters will probably be glowing, I doubt either of them will say "best I have ever taught" or "amazing personality" - truth be told, I'm not that charismatic kid that becomes the teacher's best friend. I go to a competitive school where I wasn't ALWAYS the favorite student of the class, though often I was. Are those amazing letters really that important?</p>