Ohip State.. doesn't require letters of rec.. good or bad?

<p>I am trying to apply to Ohio State (as an out of state transfer). I attend a community college and did terribly my first year - wasn't focused at all. I changed my priorities and my grades when up. I now have a 3.1. I called admissions and they couldn't tell me much. They led me to believe it is actually easier to transfer than it is to apply out of high school, which made no sense to me but was still reassuring. They told me the minimum requirement for transfers is a 2.0. (for undergrads coming from high school it is around a 3.0, but they look for a 3.5). So they said they have accepted tansfers from a 2.0, to a 2.5 and above.. it all depends. My concern is i am out of state. I hope they concider how my grades are on an upward trend. But my problem is they don't ask for an essay or letters of recommendation. I was hoping for strong letters to help my case. Is it harder or easier when a college does not need letters of recommendation?? Much thanks!</p>