Why do you need academic reference letters?

Academic letters of recommendation add so much more to the picture of you as a student than just a transcript does. It gives the reader a deeper look at who you are, what you aspire to be, and what you've accomplished.

Imagine that you got a B in math and your goal is to become an accountant. That doesn't look as good on a transcript as an "A" grade would and it might hurt your chances in your future career. Now, if there's a reason that you got a "B" (maybe you were in a car accident and spent half of the year recovering but still managed to get a B). Your story is suddenly one of triumph and perseverance.