I’m currently trying to decide whether or not I should start seeking letters of recommendation from sources other than teachers that schools require. A lot of people are suggesting I get some from my employers, or from instructors of my extracurricular activities, but when I read through a lot of college’s websites I felt there was a tone suggesting not to go overboard with references, and a lot of them only have spots for 1 additional reference anyways. What should I do? How can I tell if an extra reference will be beneficial or gratuitous?
Personally, I think sending in more letters than are requested/required seems self indulgent. The admissions folks have A LOT to read. You don’t want to show a disrespect for their time by sending in additional (most often unwanted) documents.
On the many college tours I went on, pretty much everyone said one of the worst things you could do would be to send in a ton of letters of recommendation. Truthfully they’re all going to say mostly the same things so pick one or two teachers you feel you had a really personal connection with and go from there.
For me I picked 2 teachers (all required for my schools, except 1 where I picked only 1 of my teachers) and had the option to include a secondary letter from someone other than my teachers. I asked my employer and that was all I used. I feel three is a very concise amount and all give a unique perspective without going overboard.
I would think that any more than, say, 3 looks like there’s some real need to reassure the reader that you really are qualified. Somehow it smells a lot like overcompensating.
It is the worst when a student sends like 15 letters of rec. Keep it to three max, maybe one or two teachers, an employer, or mentor.
Send the amount that the school requires, no more. I’d honestly say two at the maximum.
At a public session with about 1,200 in attendance, the HYP reps joked about the kid who sent in 82 LORs. And generally mocked that line of thinking. Do what’s required – “the thicker the file, the thicker the kid”
Thanks for all the suggestions! In the end I think I’ll stick with the required references.
Just send in whatever that is necessary to present you in all aspects. If they are redundant, then you may not want to send in extra LOR.
I do think it is fine to send in one additional recommendation, but it should not be from another academic teacher but it should speak to a different aspect of you, your personality, your achievements etc. Someone like a coach, a boss at your job etc. could be worthwhile. I’d keep it to one more at most though.
D had two teacher recs. She also had a rec from an administrator who had led a couple of service trips she’d been on and knew her well outside of his current position. She used all 3 where the school would take 3, and chose 2 depending on the school’s requirements.
The thicker the file, the thicker the student. Send only what they ask for. One of my kids sent one extra to one school where her academic team coach from all four years in HS had graduated from that college, but that was it. She got in everyplace she applied, too.
Now… there is something to be said for asking the GC which teachers to ask. Our GC knew who wrote the strongest letters. So when our kids provided a short list of possibilities, the GC had a definite opinion.