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Do colleges prefer letters of recommendation?

I’m currently applying to colleges, and many have letters of recommendation as optional additions to my application. School started two days ago, but it already feels so late to ask a teacher to write an entire essay about me. Should I ask?

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Paul’s Answer

I think that it does not hurt to ask.

Sometimes when there is a lot of competition to get into certain colleges, the letter of recommendation can make a difference.

I think that it helps to have a recommendation letter in your college admissions portfolio.
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A. Michelle’s Answer

It’s always good to have letters of recommendation to help colleges learn more about you than they can from GPA, course schedules and test scores. Think carefully about who you ask to write a recommendation. If three are required, 2 should come from teachers who know your work and will speak glowingly of your intellectual curiosity, growth and ability to overcome challenge. A coach, employer or community official could also write a letter. Again, the main point is to find someone who can speak knowledgeably and positively about you to support other parts of your application and make you stand out among applicants.
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A. Michelle’s Answer

It’s always good to have letters of recommendation to help colleges learn more about you than they can from GPA, course schedules and test scores. Think carefully about who you ask to write a recommendation. 1-2 schools come from a teacher who knows your work and will speak glowingly of your intellectual curiosity, growth and ability to overcome challenge. A coach, employer or community official could also write a letter. Again, the main point is to find someone who can speak knowledgeably and positively about you to support other parts of your application and make you stand out among applicants.
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Amalya’s Answer

Hi Julie,

Recommendation letters are an essential part in many situations. You should check if the college you are applying for requires to submit them or not. Generally, recommendation letters (if they have a lot of positive things to say about you) can have a crucial role for your acceptance at a college. Good luck and all the best with your applications.
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Alan’s Answer

Julie, as far as I know, recommendations are not only desirable, they're generally required. I'd definitely put three together anyway, at least one from one of your teachers and/or a school administrator, perhaps one from an employer or someone you provided some service for, maybe one from a graduate of your desired college. You want to impress, and since you have to show humility and not overly sell yourself, you need others to say those positive things about you that you want to come across.
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Rahul’s Answer

Hey there, high school senior! Here's a little tip for you. Think about reaching out to one of your teachers from junior year, especially one you had a great connection with, to pen your recommendation letter. They'll be able to get started on it right away for your college applications. This way, you avoid the risk of getting a letter from a new senior year teacher who might not know you as well. Hope this makes your college application process a bit smoother!
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