Introduction : Mark shares some recommended resources to help families and he also answers a question from a listener. Heath Einstein explains to us what colleges want to see in teacher recommendations:

Preview Part 2 :

• I replay what Heath said about persistence and grit because I thought it was that important
• Heath and I discuss whether you should ask a teacher for very specific things that you would like for them to say about you in the teacher rec
• What should a student do if a teacher says, “you write the letter of rec and I will sign it”
• Heath transitions to several things that as a teacher, you don’t want to talk about in your teacher recommendation
• Heath says when a teacher should say, “no” when asked to write a rec letter

RR : Recommended Resources on Episode 584

Colleges that allow self reporting of test scores

• Colleges that Allow Self-Reporting of SAT and ACT Scores

Great source for questions about finances and college

• Edvisors: Financial Aid, Student Loans, Scholarships and Money Management

FAFSA Walkthroughs Mark recommends

• Complete FAFSA 2026‑2027 Walkthrough | From Start to Submit
• 2023-2024 FAFSA Walkthrough Video English

CSS PROFILE Walkthroughs

• CSS Profile Walkthrough
• MEFA Institute: A Deep Dive into the CSS Profile

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