<p>As colleges are academic institutions, they are looking for potential scholars. They are looking for students who not only contribute to the classroom conversation, but dynamically lead the discussion. They are looking for students who constantly raise their hands and have thoughtful opinions. Colleges are looking for your teachers to confirm those qualities in their recommendation letters with concrete examples such as those that are on MIT’s website. Are you a shy kid that needs to be called upon? Are you a kid who always has their hand raised with the answer? How do your writing compare to your peers? Can you work independently or need guidance? Do you work well in groups? As you do not have this teacher as a classroom instructor, they cannot answer those questions, so I think it’s best to find teachers than can!</p>
<p>Thanks gibby! That makes more sense.</p>