Result guide: Solid Foundation

WHAT THIS MEANS

This result usually means your recommendation plan is in reasonably good shape: real relationships with your recommenders, workable timing and some sense of what you want the letters to convey.

The gap between solid and strategic is usually briefing: a vague brag sheet, or recommenders who will describe the same side of you, leaves value on the table.

One focused conversation with each recommender, sharing your goals, anecdotes and qualities you'd like them to highlight, can improve what they write.

WHY THIS MATTERS

A solid foundation means your letters will likely be positive; the question is whether they'll be specific and memorable.

Admissions readers see many letters for strong students. Letters that give a distinctive picture of the student, such as their curiosity, how they approach problems and what they bring to a classroom, stand out.

A strong brag sheet is your most direct lever here. It doesn't constrain the teacher; it gives them specific material to work with.

WHAT STRONG APPLICANTS DO DIFFERENTLY

• —They revise their brag sheet to include specific moments from each teacher's class (a discussion, a project or a piece of work that mattered to them) that the teacher can choose to build on.
• —Where schools allow a choice, they check that their teacher recommenders will describe different sides of them, so the letters together add up to more.
• —They meet briefly with their school counselor to share any context the counselor should know: significant challenges, unique circumstances, or community contributions that might not be visible from the transcript alone.