15 Colleges with No Letters of Recommendation Required

Looking for colleges that don’t require letters of recommendation? In fact, they do exist! There are also grad programs that don’t require letters of recommendation.

WHY DON’T SOME COLLEGES ASK FOR OR REQUIRE LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION?

Some colleges don’t require letters of recommendation. Because they may assess a student’s potential in different ways. As an adult learner, there may be life experience that is more important to your application. In other words, that means you have the ability to pursue an undergraduate degree even if you have no letters of recommendation.

Do all graduate schools require letters of recommendation?

No, not all graduate schools require letters of recommendation. In fact, all of the schools on this page offer grad programs! In brief, the most common requirements for grad school often include:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school
• GRE or GMAT (many schools do waive this)
• Official transcripts
• Writing samples or personal statement
• Resume

HOW TO GET LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION FOR COLLEGE APPLICATION

Getting letters of recommendation may seem hard, especially if you’ve been out of school for a while. Then again, chances are you can still get a great recommendation from many different people. By all means ask! After all, most people like to help. No matter who you ask? First, make it as easy for them as possible. Obviously ask politely. Also give them plenty of time. Then make sure they know the school’s requirements. Lastly, make sure they know your goals. That way they can be sure to highlight your best qualities. With this in mind, check out our list of the people you can ask for a letter of recommendation.

1. YOUR EMPLOYER

With adult learners, how you work is important. Given that, your manager or team leader can speak to your work ethic and problem solving abilities. In addition, they can also explain how well you work with colleagues. If your job is related to the degree you hope to pursue, that’s great.

But don’t worry if your job is in a different field. Because those traits apply to your character and not a specific position. How hard you work matters. Schools look at how adults perform. So they do not rely as much on tests.

2. YOUR COACH

Why your coach? Truly, college admissions boards don’t care about your championship season. But, if you were always motivating your team? Or, if you stayed late to review game tapes? Then that shows dedication. Therefore, you can draw on this to highlight how you will do in school.

Not so focused on grades in high school? In this case, try talking to a coach about why you feel ready for college now. They may be able to help get that across to an admissions counselor. In other words, a coach can show how hard you work. Lastly, a coach can say you are good on a team.

3. YOUR PROFESSOR

Taking a college class or two before starting a full time program? If so, you can focus on doing well and getting to know the teachers. To be sure, a letter of recommendation from a teacher in your area of study can go a long way. Especially, from a teacher who can speak to your commitment in the classroom. To clarify, as an adult, how you do in class makes a difference.

In this case, you can have a peer talk to a peer. Provided that you are doing well of course! With this in mind, focusing on your class work is important. Another key point is building a relationship with your teacher. In summary, taking classes before a full time program can help you. Because you get to demonstrate how you work. And you get to score a good recommendation from the teacher.

DOES COMMON APP ASK FOR LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION?

Applying to college is stressful enough without managing all the different forms and deadlines. The Common App by all means makes this easier. And more than 800 schools accept it.

In short, the Common App itself does not require letters of recommendation. But, their Requirements Grid will let you know if any individual schools do. In that case, you can pick and choose where to apply.

15 COLLEGES THAT DON’T REQUIRE LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Colleges wanting a letter of recommendation from former teachers is quite common. But they’re not universal. Especially at schools that cater to non traditional students. In summary, life and work experience can matter more. So check out our list of colleges that don’t require letters of recommendation.

Looking for other options? Discover colleges with high acceptance rates and colleges with rolling admissions.