Are 3 letters of recommendation too many?

Colleges and Universities A-Z The University of Texas at Austin
1

I am applying to the engineering college at University of Texas at Austin. I am not in the top 7% by two rankings so my I am not automatically accepted to the university. My grades are mediocre, I have a 3.77 GPA that is weighted. I have good test scores, a 33 on ACT and 1490 on SAT. Basically I am trying to make up for my grades with test scores, extra-curricular activities, and letters of recommendation. I have my calculus teacher and my physics teacher that I want letters from, and they both pertain to the engineering school.

However, the Justice of the Peace of my town has offered to write me one, and I feel like his would show a different aspect of my high school career than just academics. I have participated in a program called Teen Court (http://www.txteencourt.com/). Basically I help students that have tickets and minor offences such as possession of alcohol etc. go through a system in which they have a peer filled jury to assign them community service in exchange for not having the offenses on their records. I am one of the main volunteers for the program.

Basically, in this situation, would three letters be helpful or just annoying to the admissions?

2

Actually, I do think 3 letters is too many especially since UT does not even require them. That being said, I do think sending the recommendation from the Justice of the Peace is a good idea. It would definitely stand out. If possible, I would only send one of the calculus or physics recommendations. I expect they will both say the same thing. If that is not possible to do, I would send the 3 letters.

3

My oldest didn’t send in any recommendations and was not top 7%. She did not want to go to UT and wanted to leave the state. She got in and now attends. She is thrilled now and loves UT! My youngest is on the fence about going to UT and is looking out of state. She did send in her 3 recommendations. I think it’s probably better than not to send them in. They do look holistically and do ready the essays and recs - in fact we were told that by the school. Engineering is a very difficult school to get into. In fact, I know auto admits, top of their class that were admitted to the school but not their major. I would have a backup plan.