Last updated on December 30, 2022 byleaf shade
Apply to grad school without a letter of recommendation? If it seems like all the schools and programs you want to attend have this requirement. But do not worry! You may be admitted to the Graduate School without a letter of recommendation. Below is a list of specific schools and programs that may not require referrals.
This article can also give you some ideas on how to get letters of recommendation. It can also show you how to choose the perfect program for you.
Apply to graduate school without a letter of recommendation
When deciding to attend school, the entire process can seem overwhelming. Especially if you're trying to balance deadlines, standardized tests, and completing your applications for graduate school. This could apply if you do not have letters of recommendation.
It is true that many graduate programs require them. In fact, references should be considered a necessity for a PhD program. However, there are many schools that may not require letters of recommendation for some master's programs. Some of these schools may consider work experience in lieu of references.
So if you don't have one, check out the schools below and find the perfect program for you.
Are you still worried? Then read all of our tips for applying to Graduate School. In the table below, you'll find some partner university ideas to help you get started.
List of Graduate Schools That Do Not Require Letters of Recommendation
Selected schools
Learn more about 12 Grad Schools That Don't Require Letters of Recommendation
Admission to graduate schools can be very competitive, especially for high-demand degrees like nursing or an MBA. So remember that the eligibility requirements listed below are usually the minimum requirements. These do not guarantee entry.
Are you interested in one of the schools and programs listed below? Click on any of the sponsored links and listings to learn more about the curriculum, concentrations, and application processes. Live your life and track the completion of your PhD online
- Accredited online university.
- Capella University offers doctoral programs designed to take you to the top of your profession.
- The competency-based curriculum provides foundational knowledge and practical skills, so what you learn in your courses can be immediately applied to your career goals.
liberty university
With more than 250,000 alumni and 550 degree programs, Liberty U provides an education with a strong Christian foundation. Committed to academic excellence and the formation of Champions for Christ, Liberty strives to instill the values, knowledge, and skills you need to succeed in all aspects of life.
Admission requirements include:
- complete application
- registration fee
- transcripts
- Bachelor's degree with 2.5 GPA
Application Fee Waiver Policy
Liberty may waive the $40 application fee for students who apply online. They also offer a possible application fee waiver for those who meet the requirements on demand.
Master courses
- Master of Science (MS): Exercise Science: Community Physical Activity
- (MS) Master of Science in Health Administration: Project Management
- Master of Business Administration (MBA): Public Relations
2
Grand Canyon University
Over the past eight years, GCU has invested millions of dollars to improve the quality of its academic offerings and the experience for every student. This has helped the school fulfill its mission of providing academic excellence and creating change throughout the community.
Admission requirements include:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
- 2.8 GPA or higher for undergraduate
- If you do not meet the GPA requirement, you may be accepted if you achieve a GMAT above 500 or a total score of 300 on the GRE Verbal/Quantitative
Master courses
- MBA program
- Psychology and Counseling Programs
- Master's Programs in Education
3
full sailing university
Full Sail U uses a creative approach to education that delivers an immersive, fast-paced, and relevant learning experience that reflects evolving industries and offers degrees designed for the worlds of entertainment, media, arts, and technology.
Admission requirements include:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited school
- 2.5 GPA in undergraduate
- Title in a field or scope similar to the one you are requesting
Students with a lower GPA or a degree in an unrelated field may be accepted with a letter of intent, resume, and transcripts.
Master courses
- (MS) Master of Science in Entertainment Economics
- Master of Arts (MA) in Public Relations
- Master of Science (MS) in Internet Marketing
4
Southern New Hampshire University
As a private, not-for-profit accredited institution, SNHU has more than 3,000 students on campus and more than 80,000 students online. Since 1932, the school has focused on reinventing higher education to meet the changing needs of students.
Admission requirements include:
The admissions process for many master's degrees at SNHU only requires that you have earned a 2.75 GPA. This is while you are earning your bachelor's degree from an accredited school. However, additional requirements may apply to international students.
Master courses
- MS Information Technology in Health Informatics
- Master of Science in Information Technology in Internet Security
- MS Information Technology in Data Analysis
5
Purdue University around the world
Education that puts you in control of what, how and where you learn. Purdue Global is a not-for-profit public school focused on providing a personalized online learning experience.
Admission requirements include:
- finished application
- application fee
- transcripts
- Bachelor's degree with 2.5 GPA
Master courses
- Master in Health Informatics
- MSN – Executive Leadership
- Master of Health Care Administration
6
Colorado Technical University
Take control of your education with industry-relevant degrees at CTU. Go to school anywhere, anytime. Earn a degree without putting your life on hold.
Admission requirements include:
- complete application
- registration fee
- transcripts
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited school
Master courses
- Master in Information Technology
- Master of Science in Pflege
- MS Homeland Security
7
Walden University
Online learning is more accessible than ever. Know more! family savings. learned practitioners. Degrees for busy adults. HLC accredited.
Admission requirements include:
- complete application
- Continue
- Interview
- graduation
Master courses
- Project Management Master of Business Administration
- Master of Social Work - Clinical Management
- Master of Criminal Justice - Leadership
8
ohio university
Founded in 1808, Ohio U's central purpose is the intellectual and personal development of its students. Ohio U offers graduate programs designed to meet the educational and research mission of the school. Specific admission requirements for a master's degree at Ohio University vary from program to program. Contact the desired program for more information.
Master courses
- civil Engineering
- History
- education administration
9
Cleveland State University
At the heart of everything they do at CSU is their philosophy of engaged learning. This is the mantra that gives meaning to the CSU mission of providing accessible education and creativity in all areas of learning. Some of the graduate programs at CSU require letters of recommendation, such as B. Social Work and Ph.D.
Admission requirements include:
- complete application
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited school
- Official Transcripts
- Official test results
Master courses
- Chemical engineering
- Accounting and financial information systems
- Mathematics (offered as MA and MS)
10
University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, UO believes that if you have the will, anything can grow. The school is also committed to an inclusive community where diversity serves as the cornerstone of learning. All UO graduate and master's programs have different admission requirements. Therefore, be sure to check all the requirements before applying.
Admission requirements include:
- transcripts
- GMAT score
- Continue
- explanation of objectives
Master courses
- Master of Science (MS) in Accounting
- early childhood education
- Industrial Organization Psychology
11
University of Minnesota
UM faculty and staff are known for their exceptional dedication to the school's mission of preparing students to meet the challenges of the world by building on their strengths with experiences outside of the classroom. At UM, different admission requirements apply to all master's programs. Be sure to check with the school to find the perfect program for you before applying.
Admission requirements include:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
- 3.0 GPA o superior
- GRAMS
Master's degrees that do not require a letter of recommendation
- Psychology
- social work
- human resources development
12
Western Connecticut State University
WCSU strives to transform the lives of all students by providing a quality education that fosters individual growth and aims to be widely recognized as a leading public university dedicated to preparing students to make a meaningful contribution to the world.
Admission requirements include:
WCSU admission requirements vary from program to program, some require letters of recommendation. However, here are some general requirements:
- Official Transcripts
- GPA of 2.8 or higher for all courses completed
- Complete application with fee
There may be additional requirements such as a teaching certificate for teaching programs or a portfolio exam for arts and writing degrees. Before applying to graduate programs at WCSU, check with the school for more information.
Master's degrees that do not require a letter of recommendation
- Earth and Planetary Sciences
- mathematics
- Training
sponsored postsSelected School(s)
University of Southern New Hampshire Online Master's Programs
- Some of the cheapest tuition in the country from a private, non-profit, NEASC-accredited university
- Students who qualify with a GPA of 2.5 and above are eligible for up to $20,000 in grants and scholarships
- Multiple semester start dates throughout the year. 24/7 online access to the classroom
GO TO SCHOOL
Graduate School Admission Requirements
Each school and program may have different admission requirements. In fact, some schools may even have different requirements for different programs. As a student there are many opportunities. For this reason, it is important to research different schools before applying.
However, the most common admission requirements often include:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited school
- GRescores or GMAT scores
- Official Transcripts
- Writing samples or personal statement
- Continue
- Meeting with the Admissions Committees
While many schools may require letters of recommendation for graduate study, see the list below for options that do not have this requirement.
HOW TO GET RECOMMENDATIONS
If you are applying to graduate school without these letters, you may still have time to obtain some before submitting your applications. While this may take a few weeks and delay the submission of your applications, it may help you get into some of your target schools.
In fact, some of the schools listed above may not require letters of recommendation for all programs, but may require them for others. While they may not be required for the application process, they can help you improve your chances of acceptance.
Therefore, there is nothing wrong with seeking references when mailing in some admissions applications for college graduates. Then wait to send others until you receive your letters of recommendation.
Sources of recommendations
While there are many people you could ask for recommendations, some of the best sources might be:
- former teachers
- superiors
- Colleagues
Another option that many students may overlook is taking a class. This can be at the grade level or at the basic level if you change disciplines. Make sure you perform well and attend classes to impress your professor enough to write a recommendation for you.
Of course, this can delay the submission of your applications and your attendance at the school. It can also help you get into any of the schools you want.
Pay for graduate schoolAccording to a study by Sallie Mae, on average, graduate students pay for 77% of their education with the money they earn, save or borrow, compared to undergraduate students who pay for 30% of their degree with the same money. Financial assistance may be available to those who qualify.
HOW DO I FOLLOW UP THE GRADUATE SCHOOL?
A good way to apply for admission to graduate school can be to prepare while you're still working on your undergraduate degree by:
- Take higher level courses
- Lessons from different teachers.
- Gain work experience through internships
- Learn advanced skills required in the field
- Take a graduate course as a senior
If you are considering applying to a graduate school, you should consider several aspects or focus areas of your desired field. The perfect way to do this could be to diversify your courses. Diversify your research while continuing to study for your bachelor's degree.
That said, don't choose any particular aspect of your major before your junior year, to ensure you take courses from different professors and different subgroups of your major. This allows you to gain a variety of experiences and perspectives.
WHAT MASTER'S DEGREE SHOULD I GET?
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2013, people with a master's degree earned $12,000 more per year than people with just a bachelor's degree. And that in all sectors and professions. In some fields, those with a master's degree earned the same as or less than the median annual salary of those with a bachelor's degree.
A possible salary increase should not be the only issue to take into account when choosing a master's degree. You should also think about this:
- Is it worth the time and money?
- What are the alternatives?
- Could I be eligible for financial assistance?
Consider all options when choosing a master's degree. Research a variety of programs and schools to make sure you find the perfect program for you. These can be online programs or traditional classroom settings. For example, are you seeking an MBA or Master of Science in Business?
Master courses
Some of the most common mastery options are usually:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Psychology
- Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
- social work
- Master of Science in Pflege (MSN)
- health care
- Master of Education (MEd)
LET YOURSELF COMPARE TODAY!
Ready to search for master's programs? Check the sponsored offers on this page. Or fill out the form to find the perfect program for you and request information today!
Law schools that do not require letters of recommendation
What have you done since your student days? This is (probably) the basis of why you want to study law. Peers and mentors who can talk about your activities during those intervening years are among your best sources.
The broader the experience base, the more experienced the practitioner, as a general rule. Think of those middle years as broadening his experience base and (hopefully) making him a better candidate for experiences. Record this basis in your letters of recommendation.
Related
FAQs
Private Schools That Don't Require Letters of Recommendation - CollegeLearners? ›
You are allowed to submit your application before your counselor or teachers submit their school forms whether they choose to do so online or on paper. The Common Application system allows recommendations to be submitted even after the application has been submitted.
What colleges do not need letters of recommendation? ›| School | US News National Rankings 2022 |
|---|---|
| Clemson University | 75 |
| Arizona State University | 117 |
| Colorado State University | 148 |
| Delaware State University | 263 |
You are allowed to submit your application before your counselor or teachers submit their school forms whether they choose to do so online or on paper. The Common Application system allows recommendations to be submitted even after the application has been submitted.
Which university in Canada does not require lor? ›The University of Western Ontario doesn't require LOR's for M. Eng in Mechanical Engineering.
Can you get into Ivy League without letter of recommendation? ›Make sure you have good recommendations
Almost all universities will ask for one or two letters of recommendation, but you will usually have to provide three for an Ivy League application.
Most Canadian universities require at least two LORs for Master's programs and one or no LOR for Bachelor's programs.
What if I have no letters of recommendation? ›As has already been stated, you may be able to use a letter from a supervisor at your job (check the application instructions, or ask); and when you contact an instructor, share some work you did in the class. In addition: send an unofficial transcript to the instructor when you reach out.
Can I send recommendation letters myself? ›A self-recommendation letter is a document you can write to convey your qualifications when applying for jobs. Typically, a supervisor, professor or other professional writes a recommendation for you. However, you may choose to write the letter yourself and simply have them sign their name to endorse the content.
Can I apply to Harvard without recommendation letter? ›Every element can affect your admissions decision at a school like Harvard. Since there are so many outstanding applicants vying for a small number of spots, Harvard letters of recommendation are particularly crucial. Recommendation letters are an important soft component in your application.
Can you ask a professor you don t know for a letter of recommendation? ›Yes, you can still ask a professor for a letter of recommendation if you don't know them very well. Personalize the request as much as possible, and provide the professor with plenty of information and records about your time in their class. Are letters of recommendation important?
Which colleges in Canada have no offer letter fee? ›
- Tyndale University.
- Quest University.
- The University of British Columbia.
- Booth University College.
- Royal Roads University.
- University of Alberta.
Poor Academic Performance
Good grades are very important for approval, but that is not all. The approval or rejection of a visa application will highly depend upon the scores of English language proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL. Also, if your academic records are inconsistent, it will be questionable.
Reference letters and personal statements are not required for admission to any of our programs. Rotman Commerce and Computer Science require students to fill out an additional supplementary application, but no other programs at the Faculty of Arts & Science require this.
What is the lowest GPA to get into Harvard? ›You should also have a 4.18 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score. For a school as selective as Harvard, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application. We'll cover those details next.
Will one C ruin my chances of Ivy League? ›Just one bad grade in an advanced level course is not going to ruin your chances at an Ivy League. However, consistently underperforming in advanced classes in your area-of-interest classes will penalize you in the applications process.
What is the lowest GPA accepted to Ivy League? ›Any lower than 3.5, however, you'll have to either have an impressive, relevant achievement or pray for a miracle to get an offer. Therefore, it is best to aspire for the maximum 4.0 to play it safe. But as long as you have at least a 3.7 GPA, you can still get a serious chance at consideration for an offer.
What is the hardest university to get into in Canada? ›Western University holds the highest national entrance averages of first-year students at just over 90%, meaning admission competition is fierce. The school is among Canada's most distinguished academic institutions and research universities, as well as being globally recognized.
What is the hardest university program to get into in Canada? ›Software Engineering at the University of Waterloo
Students with a 90-95% average can expect to have only a 10% chance of admission making software engineering one of the most competitive undergraduate programs in Canada.
Yes, colleges can revoke an acceptance offer any time, including after admitted students put down their deposit. Most revoked admission offers occur between May 1 and the start of the fall semester.
Can you fake letters of recommendation? ›If you are caught having forged a letter of recommendation, you will obviously be denied admission or have your admission and any degrees rescinded if your deception is discovered after being admitted. Beyond that, you could face even more severe consequences.
Can friends write letters of recommendation? ›
A variety of acquaintances, including personal friends, can provide a character reference. If a friend asks you for a personal reference, consider writing a letter that clearly outlines their work ethic, positive character traits and attitude to make your recommendation as effective as possible.
Can you get a bad letter of recommendation? ›While negative recommendation letters are important to avoid, having one doesn't mean your job search is over. One of the best things you can do in the case of a bad recommendation letter which has already been seen is to explain the situation to the company you're applying to.
Who Cannot write a letter of recommendation? ›Someone Who's Related to You
This is one of the more obvious inclusions among the list of who not to ask for a letter of recommendation. Think of it this way — your parent, uncle, or cousin obviously want the best for you, and they want colleges to pick you.
- Respond to the student's request in a timely manner. ...
- Write a brief email in a professional tone. ...
- Provide an honest reason for declining the opportunity. ...
- Offer to help promote their candidacy through other methods. ...
- Show gratitude for their request.
Online students can ask for letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, and community leaders. Recommendation letters are usually a necessary part of the college application process, and being an online student doesn't exempt you from that step.
What is a strong recommendation letter? ›Be specific.
Choose strong, accurate adjectives over general terms or cliches. Think about what the person reading the letter might want to know. Include details or insight that wouldn't necessarily show up on a resume or application. Your letter should help the recipient get to know the person you are recommending.
Yale requires two letters of recommendation from teachers who have taught you in credit-bearing classes during the academic year in core academic subjects (English, Foreign Language, Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies).
What IB score is needed for Harvard? ›Harvard University in United States of America requires students to maintain a minimum IB of 40 in order to stand a good chance to get admission into Harvard University. The IB requirement of Harvard University is much higher than the average requirements of universities in United States of America.
Do professors get annoyed when you ask for a letter of recommendation? ›Yes. Writing letters of recommendation is annoying, because (i) they're difficult to write and much thought needs to go into them, (ii) requests for letters of recommendation almost always come with a short deadline. So yes, I find it annoying to get requests (and I write a lot of such letters).
Is it okay to ask a retired professor for a letter of recommendation? ›Us retired faculty still exist and writing strong letters of recommendation does not come to a full stop instantly. In any event, it does not hurt to ask. The professor's e-mail address may be on their department's web site, if you do not have it already.
Is it awkward to ask for a letter of recommendation? ›
It's totally normal to feel nervous about asking for a letter of recommendation. While it may feel uncomfortable at first, it's a normal part of the application process. With a bit of preparation, you can maximize your chances of getting stellar recommendations.
Where is the cheapest college in Canada? ›The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is known as the cheapest university in Canada, with tuition fees at UNBC being lower than most other universities in the country due to its unique fee structure.
How much is a private college offer letter in Canada? ›Admission Offer and Confirming Acceptance
The Can-College Letter of Acceptance and Admission Registration fee range is between $250 CAD - $500 CAD for processing your admission and LOA. Please note that this fee is also non-refundable if a visa is rejected.
Answer-There are no tuition-free universities in Canada, either for international or domestic students. However, some universities are backed by fully-funded scholarships that will fund students' complete education.
Which universities are blacklisted in Canada? ›- CanPacific College of Business & English Inc.
- Quest Language Studies Corp.
- Everest Colleges of Canada Inc. ( ...
- Guyana Training School for International Skills Inc.
- Huron Flight Centre Inc. ...
- All Metal Welding Technology Inc.
- Archer College Language School Toronto.
Being rejected from every college you apply to doesn't reflect on you as a person, and you still have the potential to get a great education. We all face challenges in life, but the key is how we respond to them. Weigh your options, stay positive, and trust that everything will work out okay in the end!
How many refusals are accepted in Canada? ›This is way above the average Canada visa refusal rate of 30%. Most of these rejections are based on some common reasons like financial insufficiency, program and university of choice, unavailability of permanent residence among various others.
Does University of Ottawa require letters of recommendation? ›Unless the application requirements for your program states that professional references are acceptable or required, letters of recommendation must come from qualified academic scholars who can attest to and demonstrate your potential for graduate-level study or research.
Does UBC undergraduate require letters of recommendation? ›You do not need to include written references in your application, just the contact information of your references so that our admissions team can contact them. UBC does not send a link to references.
Does McGill require letters of recommendation for undergraduate? ›Refer to the program page for the academic unit website and contact email. Normally, two (2) letters of reference/recommendation are required. You must identify your referees who are familiar with your work and are willing to write letters of recommendation in the application portal.
What was the lowest GPA accepted to Yale? ›
You should also have a 4.14 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score. For a school as selective as Yale, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application. We'll cover those details next.
What's the lowest GPA someone got into MIT with? ›Aim high. Even though there are no official MIT GPA requirements, you should aim for a 4.17 weighted GPA. If you're already a junior or senior figuring out how to get into MIT and your GPA is lower than 4.17, know that scores close to the average MIT SAT scores or ACT scores can counterbalance a lower GPA.
Can you get a 5.0 GPA? ›Students in an AP class with weighted grading receive a five-point weighted average for each of the four-letter grades: As, Bs, Cs, and Ds. As a result, a student who only takes AP classes and receives A's will have a 5.0 GPA.
Do colleges care about 9th grade? ›Pretty much every college will see your teen's grades from the first year of high school as part of their transcript review. Even universities that emphasizes tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade grades when they evaluate applicants for admission will still see ninth grade marks on transcripts.
Can I get into an ivy with one B? ›Overall, selective colleges value a rigorous course load over perfect grades. An Ivy League school might accept a student who had all As and one or two Bs in the highest-level classes, but it probably wouldn't accept a student who had flawless grades in all mid- or low-level classes.
What is the highest GPA you can get with one C? ›| Letter Grade | Percentage | 4.0 Scale |
|---|---|---|
| C | 73-76 | 2.0 |
| C- | 70-72 | 1.7 |
| D+ | 67-69 | 1.3 |
| D | 65-66 | 1.0 |
Cornell is considered the "easiest" Ivy League to get into because it has the highest Ivy League acceptance rate. While it's easier, statistically speaking, to get into Cornell, it's still challenging. It's also important to remember that students apply directly to one of Cornell's eight undergraduate colleges.
How to get into Ivy League schools from Canada? ›- Academic Performance. Pay a balanced amount of attention to both your grades and coursework. ...
- Letters of Recommendation. ...
- Personal Essay. ...
- Extracurriculars. ...
- Test Scores.
Does Harvard Accept B Students? Yes, just like I mentioned above, it's completely possible to get admitted into Harvard University with B grades.
Who would you not ask for a letter of recommendation? ›Don't ask a family member or a friend for a recommendation as a college may not take them seriously. You should always follow the guidelines from the colleges you are applying to when choosing who to write your letter of recommendation.
Does UCLA require letters of recommendation? ›
Frequently Asked Questions. We do not require or accept letters of recommendation in our process and we do not collect transcripts at the point of application. We do not offer admission interviews.
Who should not write letters of recommendation for you? ›Teachers who you've worked the most closely with. Teacher with whom you've worked with in an extracurricular setting, such as your debate team coach or dance teacher. Teachers who taught the subjects that align with your goals and interests. Teachers with connections to one of your top-choice colleges.
Can I get a letter of recommendation from a professor you don t know? ›Yes, you can still ask a professor for a letter of recommendation if you don't know them very well. Personalize the request as much as possible, and provide the professor with plenty of information and records about your time in their class.
What GPA is required for Harvard? ›The GPA requirements for Harvard University are between 3.9 to 4.1. You will need an incredibly high GPA and will likely be graduating at the top of their class in order to get into Harvard University.
How late is too late to ask for a letter of recommendation? ›When applying for academic programs, try to ask people for recommendations four to six weeks before the application deadline. While you may have less time to secure recommendations for a job application, it's still important to ask your references early so they can write you a quality letter.
What GPA is required for MIT? ›GPA. There is no minimum required GPA, but competitive applicants generally have a GPA of 3.5 or above, and mostly A's in mathematics and science courses. Testing must be completed by the October test date for spring (February) entry and by the March test date for fall (September) entry.
Does UC Berkeley require a letters of recommendation? ›Transcripts & letters of recommendation
UC does not require (nor read) letters of recommendation at the time of application. A campus may ask for them later as part of a supplemental review, so be sure to check your email.
At a minimum, you must earn a 3.0 GPA or better (3.4 for nonresidents) in all college preparatory courses. No grades can be lower than a C.
Can you be sued for a bad letter of recommendation? ›Employers asked to provide a letter of recommendation, or reference, must be aware that they can be sued by their former employee for defamation, retaliation, interference, and emotional distress if the former employee doesn't get a job as a result of any false negative information provided to a potential new employer.
Is it rude to remind someone for a letter of recommendation? ›While the first step to obtaining a letter of recommendation is to ask a professional in your network to write one for you, it's also important to send them a reminder afterward to ensure they complete the letter on time.