Standardized test scores alone will not get you in or keep you out of the school of your choices. Your essay or personal statement is your chance to take control of the application process and express your individuality. This is an opportunity to reinforce a strong high school record or explain a weak one, to highlight special talents, or to talk about an experience, person, or event that has been important to you. Take another look the next day. Recommendations really help your application, especially if they show that the person writing knows you in some depth and comments on your personal strengths and abilities.
Most schools require two teacher recommendations.
Pick teachers that you know well and taught you in challenging and academic courses. Ask your teachers early to give them plenty of time to work on your recommendation. The neatness and completeness of your application convey that you are a serious applicant. To avoid mistakes, make a photocopy of the actual application and do all your initial work on the practice copy. Proof read for accuracy, spelling, and grammar.