<p>My son just filled out an application for a school that doesn't ask for an essay (it's not even listed as optional) nor recommendations.</p>
<p>How weird is this? Or is it somewhat normal for a large state school?</p>
<p>I think that’s out of the ordinary even for a large state school.</p>
<p>But, I seem to remember one school being like that which I was considering applying to…was it Indiana U or something? I dunno. In any case I applied to a lot of state schools and it was a major outlier.</p>
<p>At least they make no lies…clearly they don’t have time to read them all and factor them in!!</p>
<p>My son applied to an out of state public and it also required no essay nor recommendations.</p>
<p>S2 applied to two large state schools last year. Neither asked for recommendations or an essay.</p>
<p>My nephew refused to apply to any school where he had to write an essay. He’s headed into his Senior year at his home-state public U where admission is determined based on grades and test scores.</p>
<p>Maybe there can be a list compiled? I would be interested in knowing which schools, especially in engineering, Northeast, Southeast, etc. They just take time.</p>
<p>If anyone has university name/state, that would be great.</p>
<p>As I remember, my son did not have to provide recommendations for several OOS engineering programs, and I think (but I’m not sure) that included Purdue and Univ. of MI, two very good engineering programs. I don’t know about essays.</p>
<p>Clemson told us recommendations were optional and they don’t ask for an essay, although you’re welcome to send one if you want to. </p>
<p>But UMass and UConn want a teacher rec, a GC rec, and an essay. </p>
<p>Those are the only large state schools I have experience with.</p>
<p>The essay for Purdue was optional; no recommendations required.</p>
<p>Purdue has a pretty good progam from what I remember. Not sure how many women engineers there. Do they pretty much go by scores (I have ACT 32) and GPA, rank, etc.? Do any of these schools offer merit?</p>
<p>Stats
ACT 32- 34 math and 36 reading.
GPA 4.6,
Ranked 31 out of 819
APs should be Ap Scholar with Distinction.</p>
<p>You should get a nice scholarship from Purdue.</p>
<p>collegesgirl, A few years ago, Purdue’s merit scholarships (for out of state applicants) were pretty paltry, especially when compared with other offers my son got. However, I heard that they decided they needed to improve the top awards, and I think the offers are a lot better now. Definitely look into it.</p>
<p>Case Western hands out money like nobody’s business. Give it a shot.</p>
<p>ReadytoRoll, I’m jealous. Your son filled out an app already?</p>
<p>Yeah…who would have thought? Lol…</p>
<p>(Actually, it’s getting perilously close to football season, and once that starts he will have no time at all. So I think he’s starting to actually get interested in making sure he will have a college to attend.)</p>
<p>Unfortunately, filling out the apps early doesn’t matter much since our school is closed for the summer and there is no one to send out the transcripts…</p>
<p>We’re looking at a Varsity season as well, and D thinks she wants to apply everywhere Early Action. But at the moment, there’s No Action. Sigh.</p>
<p>RTR, you don’t have to send in the apps yet. Just having them done will put your S ahead of the game. I think most schools are going to want first quarter senior grades anyway.</p>
<p>our schools are not in sesison yet, but the counselors had to go back this week, so we can get transcripts now. maybe you can, as well.</p>
<p>no essays or recs required for alabama or auburn, i don’t think.</p>
<p>collegesgirl, S2 just graduated from NC State University (known for engineering). When he applied 5 years ago, there were no recs needed. There was an optional essay. It was very simple asking the applicant to share anything about themselves they would like the admissions office to know that was not mentioned on the app.</p>
<p>University of Mississippi doesn’t require an essay.</p>