<p>FERPA is about more than just the hs recc letters. It protects the confidentiality of student records and some specific data. U’s worry about protecting their faculty from lawsuits for disclosing specifics they did not have the “right” to.
Re: admissions: this is from one U’s site: “In plain terms, everyone is more comfortable when a student opts for a confidential letter, and such a letter will also likely be perceived as more trustworthy.” If you are a solid candidate and your letters match your obvious accomplishments, talents, strengths, you’re probaby fine. I have seen great letters for tippy top students and they generally speak of superior strengths, hurdles the kid overcame, leadership the kid showed in class or other ativities, intellectual potential, etc. This is really their purpose- not to reveal some of those protected specifics like whether you got an A+, which is on the transcript. Maybe others have more to say.</p>