<p>Smith wants a minimum of two recs for Prospective Adas. There is space on the app for the info for three different persons who will be sending in recs for you. </p>
<p>I personally handed out three rec forms, filled out my name and signed to waive the right to see the recs. </p>
<p>Apparently, one of the persons who I asked for a Rec made several copies of the form without asking me and have given them to others who have worked with me in the same department to fill out and send in. </p>
<p>I don't know what to say. I'm flattered, but also slightly concerned. I wonder if Smith will look down on me for all of these extra recs being sent in that won't appear on my app?</p>
<p>Ideas? I am thinking of coming up to each of those who received the extra forms and informing them that while I am flattered that they'd like to write a rec on my behalf, ask that they not send them in as Smith has a limit of recs that they will look at and consider.</p>
<p>Good idea, or not so much?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>It’s usually not a good idea to have too man reccomendations. Keep in mind that admissions officials read A LOT of applications, especially with Adas where each case has to be evaluated so carefully, weighing so many different factors that don’t fit into the usual categories that are used for traditional students. And really, three recommendations should be plenty, for anybody. </p>
<p>It’s not the end of the world, they won’t not accept you just because you have too many recommendations. But it won’t give you an advantage to have more than they make room for/ask for. They may miss the point of the recommendations from the people that know you best because they are so overwhelmed by the number that came in. Also, if they direct you to have 2-3, it makes it look like you didn’t read the directions carefully, and that can be not good. </p>
<p>One idea might be to find out who the other people are who got recommendations go with the plan you’ve established “I understand so and so gave you a recommendation form for my Smith application. I’m so flattered that so many people in the department are supporting my academic goals. However, so and so did not tell me he would be sharing my form and unfortunately I am only supposed to have three recommendations with my application. I appreciate that you want to help me, and I will definitely keep you informed about my progress with the application, but I think I should stick with just the three recommendations that are allowed and I’ve already got those in hand, so please do not send in the form you were given.” or something along those lines.</p>