Colleges that Don't Require LORs?

Are there any colleges out there that don't require letters of recommendation? I'm having issues getting my teachers to write them, and I'm super worried that it'll hurt my chances of getting into college. Any advice is appreciated.

Yes, there are colleges out there that don't require letters of recommendation (LORs). Many large public universities, such as California State University (CSU) schools and the University of California (UC) schools, don't require LORs as part of their admissions process. In terms of individual colleges that don't require LORs, there are also plenty of those - research the specific requirements of each college you're considering to confirm whether they need LORs or not, and don't hesitate to reach out to the admissions office for clarification if you're confused about anything.

If you're struggling to obtain letters from your teachers, consider asking other mentors or supervisors who can attest to your character, work ethic, and potential. These can include coaches, club advisors, or even employers. Remember to ask well in advance, so that they have plenty of time to write a thoughtful LOR on your behalf.

While LORs can provide valuable insight into your qualities as a prospective student, keep in mind that they are only one part of the application process. Colleges will examine numerous aspects of your application, including your academic record, extracurricular activities, and personal statement and/or school-specific supplemental essays. So, even if you have difficulty obtaining LORs, focusing on other components of your application can still strengthen your chances. But of course, it's ideal to find a college that doesn't require them if you genuinely cannot obtain any.

Finally, if you are able to secure LORs but are worried that they may not be high quality, you might consider utilizing the "Additional Information" section of the Common App, to explain to colleges that you had difficulty getting them in the first place. You don't want to come across as bad-mouthing your teachers, but sometimes admissions officers need additional context to fully understand your candidacy. You can read more about how to tackle the "Additional Information" section on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/additional-information-about-commonapps-additional-information-section.

Best of luck!