For various reasons, college applicants can’t always rely on counselor recommendations to complete their application processes. As a result, they often turn to colleges that don’t require counselor recommendations. If you’re in a similar situation, this article on in-person and online colleges that don’t require counselor recommendations will be of help to you.
What Are Counselor Recommendations and Why Are They Normally Required?
A counselor recommendation is one of the requirements that colleges and universities usually require as part of the application process for undergraduate and graduate program admission. Typically, your high school counselor will provide this letter as a way to attest to your work ethic, character, and suitability for the program you’re applying for.
Is It Easy to Find Universities That Don’t Require Counselor Recommendations?
Yes, it is easy to find schools that don’t require counselor recommendations. Many universities do not require letters of recommendation for both on-campus and online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Further, some universities do require letters of recommendation but allow flexibility in who they’re written by.
How to Get Into a College That Doesn’t Require Counselor Recommendations
To get into a college that does not request counselor recommendation letters, you must follow the admissions process of that college or university. Some of the admission requirements you’ll need to meet to get into a college that doesn’t require counselor recommendations are listed below.
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
- Submit official transcripts
- Have a minimum GPA score
- Write a personal essay
- Submit SAT/ACT scores
Which Schools Do Not Require Counselor Recommendations for College Admissions?
| School | US News National Rankings 2022 | Other Admissions Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Appalachian State University | 6 | Weighted GPA: 3.82-4.34, SAT: 1100-1270, ACT: 22-28 |
| Purdue University | 49 | High school diploma, official transcripts |
| DePaul University | 62 | Official high school transcripts, Common Application School Report |
| Clemson University | 75 | SAT and ACT scores, Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR), GPA, class rank |
| Adams State University | 94-122 | Official high school transcript, optional SAT scores |
| Bellevue University | 119-157 | High school diploma or equivalent, self-certification on application, official transcripts |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 131-171 | Transcript Release Form, Electronic Attestation Form stating that you’ve graduated from high school or received your GED |
| Ohio University | 179 | High school transcript, optional SAT and ACT scores |
| Cleveland State University | 299-391 | GPA of 2.3 |
| Liberty University | 299-391 | Official High school Transcripts |
Best Colleges That Don’t Require Counselor Recommendations
Below, we will discuss some of the best colleges you can apply to that don’t require counselor recommendations.
DePaul University
DePaul University is the nation’s largest Catholic university. Its admission process includes the provision of official high school transcripts, while other requirements, such as submitting ACT and SAT scores and letters of recommendation, are optional.
Clemson University
Clemson University requires SAT and ACT scores to be sent directly to the university as part of the application process. Applicants must also submit their own high school transcripts. Both GPA and class rank are also evaluated for admission.
Adams State University
Adams State University is a university located in Alamosa, Colorado that offers both online and in-person undergraduate and graduate-level programs. This university requests that official high school transcripts and SAT and ACT scores be sent to their admissions office to be evaluated as part of the application process.
Bellevue University
Bellevue University has a simplified admissions process. Not only does it not request counselor recommendations, it also does not request SAT, ACT, or GRE scores. To apply, you’ll need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as official transcripts. Homeschooled students must submit a homeschool letter of completion.
Cleveland State University
Cleveland State University only requires official transcripts and a 2.3 GPA as the main admission requirements, while other requirements depend on the program to which the candidate is applying.
Online Colleges That Don’t Require Counselor Recommendations
Below are some universities that have strong online programs and don’t require counselor recommendations for admission.
Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University is a public university in North Carolina that offers flexible, interactive, and rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs. Through its technology platform, online classes are offered with both synchronous and asynchronous options. These programs are regionally accredited.
Purdue University
Purdue University is a public university that offers flexible online associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. A high school diploma and transcript are among the requirements for admission to this university’s degree programs.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University provides excellent online programs that are both flexible and affordable. You only need to submit an application and transcripts to be admitted to one of its more than 200 online programs in various fields of study.
Ohio University
Ohio University has online programs that require only high school transcripts for application. Other documents, such as SAT and ACT scores, essays, and letters of recommendation are optional application materials.
Liberty University
To apply to the online programs offered by Liberty University, applicants only need to complete the application and submit the required documents. Among the required documents are high school transcripts, a high school diploma, and other documents, depending on the program you’re applying for.
Should You Still Submit Counselor Recommendations Even if It Is Not Required?
You should not submit counselor recommendations if they are not required. Although letters of recommendation play an important role in the admission process and can increase the chances of acceptance, they should not be sent if the university does not request them as a primary requirement. However, you can send them if the university accepts them as an optional requirement.
Submit Counselor Recommendations if
- The school requires it
- It’s optional and your counselor recommendation would enhance your application
- It can be submitted in place of a document you can’t provide
Don’t Submit Counselor Recommendations if
- The school doesn’t require it
- It’s optional and your counselor recommendation would hurt your application
- You can submit an alternative recommendation in place of a poor counselor recommendation
Should I Attend a College That Doesn’t Require Counselor Recommendations?
Yes, you should attend a college that doesn’t require counselor recommendations if you can’t obtain counselor recommendations that would contribute to your application’s appeal. If you know you can get strong counselor recommendations, submitting them as part of your school’s required documents can attest to your suitability for the school or program you’re applying to.
Colleges That Don’t Require Counselor Recommendations FAQ
Many universities do not require letters of recommendation. Some of these universities include Purdue University, Bellevue University, Ohio University, and Liberty University.
Yes, you can apply to college without letters of recommendation. Keep in mind that every school has its own application requirements. If you can’t submit letters of recommendation, be sure to find and apply to schools that don’t require them.
If you do not have letters of recommendation, you should look for schools that don’t require them as part of the application requirements. There are plenty of universities and colleges that have omitted this requirement.
No, not all colleges require a letter of recommendation in their admissions processes.
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