<p>Nearly all letters mention the “student in action.” Adcoms look for the quality of those actions and the level of excitement about the kid. There really isn’t much unique to say about a hs student’s experiences- you do the class work, have a talent for the subject, ask pertinent questions, help confused peers, participate in ECs. On the other hand, if your teacher can mention, with enthusiasm, something you started or took exceptional responsibility for or how you were the reason the team won brain bowl…but these are dependent on the student, not gaming the teacher. And, it still depends on the teacher’s ability to write a good rec.</p>