2 Dartmouth Peer Recommendations?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Dartmouth College
1

Okay so I know this is super last minute, and that the application is due tomorrow, but I have a question about the peer recommendation letters. So, back in October, when I submitted my application to Dartmouth, I asked two of my closest friends to write recommendation letters hoping that one would have enough time (they are both applying to very competitive schools, and juggle school and extracurriculars). However, they both wrote them within the last 2 days, leaving me with the choice of whose to send, or if I should send both.

I have a very different friendship with both of them, so the letters should not be the same, leaving me to think that submitting them both would not be a terrible thing. Submitting both would provide a more comprehensive view of who I am. On top of this, Dartmouth does allow you to submit two letters in the “Other Recommenders” category, so there would be no problem submitting them both. My main question, then, would be if there is any downside to submitting both letters? I have heard that you should not submit an excessive amount of letters as it becomes exhausting for the readers, but would that outweigh the value of sending both?

2

Does each LOR talk about completely different perspectives on your personality? Do they both add positive information not found anywhere else in your application? If not, only submit the one that makes you look better. Your friends need never know.

Remember: “The thicker the file, the thicker the kid.”

3

Do not send both. Two peer recs from friends is not going to work in your favor. An additional rec from a boss, pastor, coach, or similar would carry more weight. In your shoes, I’d submit the rec from the more “genuine” friend.