For example, Princeton allows one to add two supplemental recommenders in the common app. I already have a recommendation from two teachers of different subjects and a counselor. Would adding one from a lab director under whom I interned over the summer AND someone who oversaw an after school activity that I did extensively (they would bring a different perspective) be too much? Do colleges care how many recommenders you add? If so, who should I choose as my supplemental recommender? Thanks!
@theredbutton they will read everything in your file, but you risk alienating them with too many LoRs. I would choose the one supplemental LoR that best supports the unique narrative you are trying to convey. The lab sounds good, but if the after school activity helps differentiate you better, the go with that.
Good luck!
Psy
I agree with @psywar. There’s an adage, “the thicker the file, the thicker the applicant,” and you don’t want to be “that” applicant.
They want letters from teachers who know you in the classroom setting, over the duration of the course (s.) In general, summer school doesn’t cut it and why an EC leader?
This hints you’re trying to throw it all against the wall, not knowing what P values and looks for. That’s critical. By far, most kids will submit two, one humanities, one core math or science, both from 11th and/or 12th.
If you are trying to convey that research is a big part of your personal narrative then the lab director rec sounds good. Remember that all Princeton UGs do research or senior project as a requirement to graduate so one might deduce they value research.
I agree with @lookingforward that submitting one humanities and one STEM teacher LoRo is a good diverse move. Princeton values being good in multiple areas.