One hundred first year scholars in highly selective programs in five American universities took part in a preliminary study of outstanding high school graduates and the teachers who had contributed in special ways to their academic success. Fifty-three teachers who were identified by the scholars participated in the study by providing information about themselves and by commenting on selected aspects of teaching and teacher preparation. These teachers were most frequently highly experienced in teaching; a large majority of them held masters degrees, and as a group they had been above average, academically, as undergraduate students. The students and the teachers they identified as having been important to academic success, generally agreed upon the characteristics of outstanding teachers. Characteristics of an affective nature were most frequently mentioned by both students and teachers. One characteristic selected by the majority of both groups was the ability to motivate and challenge students. It is suggested that more studies should focus on the interactive relations of teacher and student. (JD)