The Best and Worst People to Ask for Recommendation Letters

teacher standing at front of class with stack books

Quick answer: When deciding who to ask for recommendation letters, choose teachers who know you well, taught you recently, and can describe specific examples of your work, ideally in core subjects related to your interests. Avoid relatives, friends, famous figures who barely know you, and teachers who had you briefly years ago. Letters of recommendation […]

30 of the Worst Personal Statement Topics We’ve Ever Seen

college student hugging notebook and pencils to chest

Quick answer: The worst personal statement topics are ones that could come from anyone or reveal little about you: minor setbacks framed as adversity, someone else’s story, résumé summaries, privileged hardships, and topics that show poor judgment. A solid topic, even an ordinary one, shows how you think, what you value, and how you have […]