<p>For most of the schools I'm applying to, you're required to send in two teacher recommendations and a counselor letter. </p>
<p>As of now, I have three letters of recs being written for me by teachers. One of from my drama teacher, who has taught me three out of four years in high school and directed numerous plays I've been in. He really likes me and I assume I'll get a good letter of recommendation out of him. Another is from my chemistry teacher who I had for two years, also really likes me, and is an excellent writer. Last is from my senior English teacher who is a professional writer, a Yale graduate, and considers me to be one of his favorite students.</p>
<p>I also have two letters being written for me from non-faculty members that I will likely only send out to specific schools.</p>
<p>My real question here is... How many is too many? I'm sure there's a point where you're sending in too many letters, but all of mine are from valuable teachers and community members who have known me for a long time, know much about my work ethic and personality, and will write me a good letter.</p>
<p>Personally I would limit yourself to the required number of letters and, only if you decide it’s really necessary, one additional letter. I know it’s hard to decide which letters to send where, but I’m sure you’ll manage. Try mixing and matching the letters (I tended to combine one math/science teacher recommendation with one English/foreign language just for the contrast) so you can use them all, just not necessarily for one school. After all, all these people might know you really well, but there’s a pretty good possibility all five (I counted that right, didn’t I?) letters will touch on the same basic points. So two or three per college should be plenty.</p>
<p>Good luck on your applications! :)</p>
<p>My school submits these letters for the Common App via Naviance… Is there a way I can specify which letters should go to which schools without being a total pain to my counselor?</p>
<p>There is an age old expression in admissions: the thicker the file, the thicker the candidate. Maning, you should need no more space to tell your story than everyone else. If you need 5 recs when two are requires, what’s the problem?</p>
<p>Its a myth that tecahers who are good writers give the best info and that ivy educated teachers will make your case best at ivies or anywhere else. Flowery prose tell the committee the candidate is extremely bright, lovely and articulate is common. Less common, but often more valuable is broken English speaking of the atypical mathematical dimensions the student works within.</p>