Significance of different aspects of application?

If they have office hours, maybe go to those? That’s what I’ve been doing. Or email them asking them a question or with something funny related to the subject they teach, like a meme. I feel like that might be a good way to form a stronger relationship between you and your teacher. And I think one thing to keep in mind is that everyone else is going through something similar as well, so even if your recommendation isn’t the most exceptional, don’t think you’d be alone.