How much do letters of recommendation matter in college admissions?

Hi there, I'm currently a junior in high school, and I've started thinking about who I should ask for letters of recommendation. I've heard that they can play a significant role in college admissions, but I'm not sure how much weight they actually carry. How important are letters of recommendation, and what should I look for in a recommender to ensure I get a strong letter?

Hello! It's great that you're starting to think about letters of recommendation early. They do play an important role in college admissions, though the weight they carry can vary depending on the school and the overall strength of your application. Generally, letters of recommendation can provide insight into your character, work ethic, and potential for success in college, which can help set you apart from other applicants. While factors like your GPA, test scores, and extracurricular activities are certainly important, a strong letter of recommendation can add a personal touch to your application and help admissions officers get a better sense of who you are beyond the numbers. When selecting a recommender, it's important to choose someone who knows you well and can speak to your strengths, accomplishments, and growth over time. This can be a teacher, coach, mentor, or supervisor, for example. Ideally, you should pick someone who has had a positive experience working with you and can provide specific examples of your achievements and contributions. Good luck with the process, and I'm sure you'll find the right people to write your letters of recommendation!