<p>On the common app, if a college requires a teacher recommendation, do we really need one? I don't have any right now but I want to send out my applications. If I don't have one, will I automatically not get in?</p>
<p>If it’s required, it’s required.</p>
<p>Are you saying you don’t have a recommendation letter right now, or you don’t have teachers right now because you’re not currently in HS?</p>
<p>If the latter, talk to admissions at the schools where you are applying and ask if they can accept a recommendation from someone else instead, or contact past teachers and ask them to write you a recommendation.</p>
<p>Yes, I am currently in high school, I just don’t have any recommendations right now and I thought that it seemed a little late to ask, also the teacher I wanted to ask is already booked up and won’t do any more recs.</p>
<p>Better “a little late” than too late. If you haven’t asked the teacher you want to ask, do so. Even if “all booked up” is the official word, you never know if he/she might make an exception for you. Don’t assume a “no”, ask and get a real answer.</p>
<p>If the answer is “No”, ask another teacher.</p>
<p>You can send your application before getting the teacher recommendation complete, but if you are submitting through common app you will absolutely have to invite a teacher to give you a recommendation before you will be able to submit. Even if you aren’t submitting through common app, if a teacher recommendation is required, you won’t be admitted without one.</p>