A majority of colleges consider counselor and teacher recommendations as one of the most important factors after GPA, academic record, and test scores in determining which academically qualified students to admit. When two applicants are otherwise equal, a recommendation can pull significant weight in the admissions decision. For students with mediocre or low test scores, a positive assessment from a counselor or teacher regarding their potential for success in college can influence colleges to accept them.

2. A majority of colleges and universities ranked counselor
and teacher recommendations as one of the most
important factors (after grade point average, secondary
school record and test scores) in determining which
academically qualified students they would choose for
admission.
When all else is equal between two applicants, a
recommendation from you can pull a lot of weight. And
for students with mediocre or low scores on college
admissions tests, your honest assessment of their
potential success in college can tip the scales in their
favor.