If it says letters of recommendations are optional, should I include one?

I’m applying to many in state Florida schools and most of their Common Apps say that letters of recommendations are optional and I’m not sure if I should submit any?

If it has the potential to tip the balance in your favor, why not? Let’s say it comes down to you and a kid for a spot or even just additional $ and you went to the trouble of submitting a nice letter of rec that gives insight into who you are as a person, I’d choose you. It’s like extra credit.

If you’re going for a competitive major at UF (computer science or whatnot) and you are certain the letter will tell them valuable additional information not found elsewhere in the application, then I would consider it.

If you have something that needs explaining (e.g. poor grades in one year due to a medical issue), then it will come off better if they hear it in a guidance counselor’s letter of recommendation than coming from you.

If they’re just going to be the standard, “great kid” letter and it won’t do much to enhance your application, then feel free to leave it out.

If a LORs will add some valuable positive information about you then I’d send them.

Recommendation letters complement you and your application. Why not include something that would tip the odds in your favor–in this case, that you have control over since you get to select your recommender–and give you a chance to show how dedicated/interested you are in the school? I would say go for it. Good luck.

For a competitive university, it could help. For a safety school, it’s a waste of time.

UF, FSU and UCF will not read or consider your letters of recommendation. Don’t waste your time. Not sure about the other schools.