<p>How important are they? I have applied to UPenn early, and I think one of them would be pretty good, but the other would be just okay... Don't ask, I try hard in classes, but the teachers never seem to like me that much for some reason. How important do colleges consider them to be? How important does UPenn consider them to be? What are some things (essays, etc) I can do to triumph over the crappy recommendations and show them that I am actually a good student?</p>
<p>I didn't post this in the UPenn section because I want this question to be answered regarding most colleges, not just there.</p>