Are Letters Of Recommendation Mandatory?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Most selective colleges and universities require

one to three recommendation letters with your application

, usually from your guidance counselor and at least one teacher. Recommendation letters are typically submitted electronically through the school-specific supplements on The Common Application.

Do CSU need letters of recommendation?

All freshman applications to Colorado State University

must include at least one letter of recommendation

. At CSU, we review application materials in well rounded, or holistic way. Your recommendation can be an important resource to help us consider your academic preparation.

Does CSU require letters of recommendation?

All freshman applications to Colorado State University

must include at least one letter of recommendation

. At CSU, we review application materials in well rounded, or holistic way. Your recommendation can be an important resource to help us consider your academic preparation.

Do I have to write an essay for CSU?

Unlike many colleges and universities,

Cal Poly's application does not require an essay

. Prospective students can fill out the general application through Cal State Apply and are then redirected to additional admission criteria based on the schools they are applying to.

What do you need to get into CSU?

  • A 1280 or higher on your SAT.
  • A 28 or higher on your ACT.
  • A 3.64 or higher GPA.
  • A solid letter of recommendation.
  • A strong application essay.

Is it bad to not have letters of recommendation?

Even for PhD programs, recommendations are not an essential element in the application. The reason behind it is that potential job candidates must stand on their own merits and that employers should not rely on a subjective evaluation coming from someone else. By this logic,

recommendation letters are not necessary

.

Can a letter of recommendation hurt you?

When they do,

they will almost definitely hurt the student's application significantly

. Since colleges know that negative recommendation letters are uncommon, a negative recommendation will immediately make an officer sit up and take notice.

What is the best Cal State?

School US News Ranking 1.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo


3
2. San Diego State 143 (National Universities) 3. Cal Poly Pomona 10 4. Cal State Long Beach 14

Is CSU test blind?

For admission purposes the

CSU is test blind

and a submission of a SAT or ACT exam score is not required. Once a first-year student is admitted to a CSU campus, they are placed in college level English and mathematics courses based on the CSU Academic Preparation policy.

Does CSU accept D's?

Currently, “D”

grades may meet CSU general education certification requirements in some areas

. A grade of “D” in English 101, transferable Math, Critical Thinking (like English102), or Speech is unacceptable. Please see a counselor.

Will CSU require SAT for 2022?

​​​The California State University (CSU)

will temporarily suspend the use of ACT/SAT examinations

in determining admission eligibility for all CSU campuses for the 2021-2022 academic year. This temporary change of admission eligibility applies only for the fall 2021, winter 2022 and spring 2022 admission cycles.

What GPA does CSU look at?

California residents and graduates of California high schools will be eligible for admission by earning

a 2.50 or greater “a-g” GPA

. Any California high school graduate or resident of California earning a GPA between 2.00 and 2.49 may be evaluated for admission based upon supplemental factors.

Is CSU hard to get into?

The school has a

81% acceptance rate

ranking it #14 in Colorado for lowest rate of acceptance. Last year, 23,038 out of 28,319 were admitted making Colorado State University Fort Collins an easy school to get into with a very good chance of acceptance assuming you meet the requirements.

Who should you not ask for a letter of recommendation?

  • A Teacher Who's Famous but Doesn't Know You.
  • A Teacher Who Taught You Early, and for a Short Time.
  • Someone Who's Related to You.
  • Your Best Friend (Unless It's a Peer Recommendation)
  • Someone Who Doesn't Have the Best Impression of You.

What do I do if I don't have a letter of recommendation?

As has already been stated, you may be able to use a letter from

a supervisor at your job

(check the application instructions, or ask); and when you contact an instructor, share some work you did in the class. In addition: send an unofficial transcript to the instructor when you reach out.

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.