The letter of recommendation (推荐信) will never outweigh (比……更重要) a student’s performance in the classroom, but it can be an important factor in the college admission process.

A strong recommendation letter will offer a good sense of a student’s personality beyond just their grades. It’s important to think about which teacher knows you best. The fact that you received an “A” in a class is not a good enough reason to choose that teacher. Some of the best letters come from teachers who witnessed a student struggling with course material or showing commitment (投入). These are the kinds of qualities a college wants to see.

If a college requests two letters of recommendation, make sure that each letter reflects a different part of your education. In other words, don’t ask both your chemistry and physics teachers. Students need to demonstrate varied strengths and interests to colleges.

Try to include one recommendation from a non-core subject teacher––such as art or music––or a coach or club adviser.

How exactly can you help your “recommender” write a great letter?

The best thing a student can do besides asking early is to provide their recommender with information. This could include extracurricular (课外的) activities, any honors, scholarships or awards, what you’ve done over the summers, and evidence of your commitment to community service.

Here are some suggestions of things you could include in a folder for your recommender.

• A resume that shares how you’ve been spending your time outside school when you’re not doing homework.

• Your Personal Statement.

• A brief paragraph on what you’re looking for in your college experience. This is where you can address your specific interests, possible majors and the types of colleges that represent a good fit for you.

In America, when the eighth graders leave the middle school, they are often worried about moving to the high school. It is a hard time for them, but it can be an exciting one as well. To make it easier, students need to get familiar with their school.

Even though they've done this already in the middle school, it's still important to find where their classrooms are. Most schools take students to the high school for a visit at the end of their eighth grade year. And, most schools also have a freshman speech for parents and students before the first year begins. Sometimes the main office will give away a map of the school. This can help students and parents to find different places of the school.

One way to know your high school more and make new friends is to join a club or play a sport. Schools often offer chances to join different clubs and sports. Fall activities begin in August before the first day of school. If you are not interested in sports, there are clubs for any interest, such as drama, dance, chess, photography, community service, etc. These clubs allow students from different grades. By joining an activity, students can find new friendships, not to mention improving their chances in future college applications (申请). The school office will have a list of activities offered at the school and information on how to join them.

What's more, to have a great start to a high school year, students can write down some of their worries, and ask for help from teachers and school workers.

Relaxing Your Nerves (神经紧张) on the First Day of Senior High School

Starting senior high school is a great experience, but it’s perfectly normal (正常的) to feel nervous. Stay positive (积极的). There are many things about senior high school that are different from your junior high school.

Prepare for school. Before your first day, try to learn about your new school. 【小题1】 Start talking to a stranger, and try your best not to be frightened by senior teachers. Once you calm down, you won’t be nervous!

【小题2】 It’s normal to feel nervous about your first day of senior high school. However, believe in yourself, and give yourself encouragement to open yourself up to new experiences, meeting people, learning, and other exciting chances that senior high school offers.

Remind yourself that your new classmates are nervous, too. 【小题3】 Your new classmates feel as nervous as you. Even if some people seem to be cool as if they were not nervous, they’re probably feeling pretty nervous inside.

【小题4】 Your mind might be full of questions like, “Will I make friends?” or “Will my teachers like me?” When you feel anxious and start second-guessing yourself, take a deep breath. Tell your mind to stop paying attention to nervous questions, and try to think about something you find relaxing. 【小题5】