<p>Do letters of recommendation really make a difference? I want to get this appeal in as soon as possible but i need to gather these if i have to. Anyone want to shed some light on this?</p>
<p>last year i applied after 1 year from UC Merced to UCSC and got rejected, but appealed and got in. (i stayed at UCM for one more year and will either go to UCLA or Cal this Fall).
i didnt use a letter of rec though, i believe most UCs mention that they are optional. so only if you think it will STRONGLY influence the admissions staff should you include one. otherwise, leave it to the 1 page essay.</p>
<p>Unless the recommendation letter is exceptionally well written and offers strong support for your achievements (detailed explanation and concrete examples), they are not gong to make much of a difference.</p>
<p>@ transferbound</p>
<p>what new information did you share in your appeal to make it work?</p>
<p>I am also interested in the content of your appeal letter as I am trying to do this as well.</p>
<p>i mentioned my improvement in grades in the recent semester, and mentioned how a counselor at UCSC forgot to tell me to send in a certain piece of information, which may have jeopardized my chance of admission. also i said how my current university doesn’t offer my major of desire, however santa cruz did have it. and i did some research on the specific major offered at santa cruz and said how it fits my interests, and how their program for it is unique and innovative. i think the most influential “compelling information” for me was that the admissions counselor messed up on his behalf. ultimately i turned down the acceptance, good to see that they do work through personal experience though
anyway, good luck on your appeals. the feeling is phenomenal when you check your portal again with a congratulations letter</p>
<p>I know sounds great. When your appeal was accepted did they send you the packet was well???</p>
<p>yep, you get it all.</p>