<p>I think the schools still ask for GC letters because it one of the few places where they’re going to get relatively unbiased feedback on a student’s personal history and high school ECs. I think they probably stop some kids from trying to claim school awards and distinctions they didn’t earn, and they allow the school to explain weaknesses in a student’s record without making the student whine about their social history. It’s much more effective for a GC to explain that mom had cancer or dad lost his job than for the student to have to do the same.</p>