The sun is shining. It is a perfect summer morning, but it is 8 AM and no one wants to take that first dive into the ten feet of biting cold water that fills the Olympic pool. The funny thing is I chose to join the swim team; this is what I signed up for. And so I line up behind the blocks with the rest of the swim team, we dive in, group by group, until it is my turn. ...

As soon as you know that you need recommendations, make a list of the people you want to write said recommendations, and then let them know. Preferably, let them know as soon as possible. The best thing you can do for the people who are writing you recommendations is give them lots of time. Most of your recommendations will most likely be teachers, and more likely than not,...