<p>Hi everyone,</p>
<p>I'm applying to colleges and I was wondering how many recommendations I should provide on the common app. I see that you are allowed up to 5 teacher recommendations but only 2 are required. Additionally, you can provide up to 3 other recommendations but 0 are required. What is the best number of recommendations to provide? I have two teachers who would provide very strong recommendations but I could get more if I really needed to. For other recommendations, I have just one really good one I can think of off the top of my head. Can anyone give me advice about what number of recommendations would be optimal? Thanks.</p>
<p>IMO optimal is the number that is recommended/required by the school. This varies with the school, often ranging from 0-2 teacher LORs and 1 from your GC. You need to go to each college website and read their requirements/recommendations for LORs.</p>
<p>If the college permits it, not all do, then 1 supplemental LOR is OK. But only if it is very strong AND addresses things about you that are not discussed in the required teacher and GC LORs. Supplemental LORs are generally sent hard copy, not using the CA form.</p>
<p>Thanks entomom. I will probably take your advice and send two letters from my favorite teachers and one from the guy I do physics research with.</p>
<p>i’d say 2-3, after a couple teachers it can get redundant. If you have a unique rec. like a job or other activity use that too</p>