<p>Hello. Based on my research, recommendation letters don't help at all for transfers applying to UCs. Is this true? I'd appreciate anyone's response related to this subject.</p>
<p>Your research is correct. The UCs refuse to accept recommendations. The UC system is a crazy bureaucracy and they barely have time to read the straight applications, let alone recommendation letters (which also explains the self reported grades, they want as little paperwork as possible before you're actually accepted into the system). It's mainly a numbers game.</p>
<p>However, you give yourself the biggest recommendation in your personal statements. That's when you get to sell yourself to the school. I suggest you play it up and say everything you'd hope a teacher rec would say (without sounding pompous, obviously).</p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>