I have 3 schools on my list that are rolling, and do NOT require letters of recommendation. I have submitted my application to all of these schools, as well as my SAT scores. The only thing that remains is my high school transcript, which is sent through my counseling office.
I have requested to have 3 teachers write letters of rec for me, and all 3 gladly accepted. However, they said they probably won’t be able to have the letters done until like late October. Obviously I’ll use their letters for the schools that REQUIRE letters, but for these 3 rolling admissions schools, I don’t need to send them. That being said, is there anything stopping me from asking my counselor to send my transcripts to these three schools? After that, my application will be totally complete for these 3 schools.
The only thing that is holding me back from asking my counselor to send transcripts to these schools is the thought that maybe the letters of recommendation could help admissions officers aid in their decision about me. But, I’ve also heard that sending letters of rec. to schools that don’t require them could actually ANNOY the admissions officers, and that they probably wouldn’t even glance at the letters at all. To be honest, I think I’ll get into these 3 schools, with or without letters of rec.
So, my question is: do you think it’s wise to wait to apply to these rolling schools until my letters of recommendation are in, or can I just go ahead and tell my counselor to send my transcripts, and therefore complete my application?
Without knowing the colleges, it’s hard to answer.
If the school does not require recs, but considers them if sent, then send them. If the school says not to send recs, then don’t send recs.
The schools are: Kent State University, Penn State University, and Alfred State University (a SUNY school). I looked up their admissions requirements, and none of them required letters of rec. In fact, I read that Penn State will literally just throw away any letters of rec they receive (except for applicants to the Honors College). The other two schools just list that recs are not required.
How are your stats for those schools? Are they strong? (Have you run net price calculators, and are they affordable? I always ask when I see Penn State…).
My stats are on par for PSU; for Kent and Alfred State, my stats are above average. Alfred State claims to be able to give merit aid to some kids who have stats like mine. At Kent, I would get free tuition since my dad is faculty there. At PSU, I would have to pay in-state tuition as a Pennsylvania resident.
Kent State will consider recs even though they are not required so it’s fine to send to them. Penn State won’t, so sending just waste everyone’s time. I don’t know anything about Alfred State - sorry.
In all cases, though, I’d have them send out the transcript now. Good luck.
I’d send the transcript now. If the letters are ready before you hear back, send them to KS and Alfred if they will take them.
So if I send all my transcripts to those 3 schools now, I can/should send recs to KSU and Alfred State? Do you think that would make a significant difference in their decision? Moreover, what if they’d already made a decision before my recs even got to their admissions office?
I think I’ll probably do that
TBH, I doubt that they will be a make or break, but it doesn’t hurt.