Is an extra Letter of Recommendation a bad idea?

<p>So, I have two teacher recommendations, which I believe are very good. I wanted to include another recommendation from my "Big Brother" (through Big Brothers Big Sisters). We were matched up after my father died (I'm writing about my father's passing in my essay, but it is not a survivor's tale). He's someone who has mentored me and been an essential component of my growth for the past five years. I feel that having him write a letter for me would add a great dynamic to my application.</p>

<p>However, I've heard that sending in more than what is asked for can be detrimental. Is this true? Would anyone advise against sending in the additional letter?</p>

<p>Call the universities and ask them. For those that are willing to accept this additional information, send it in. For those that aren’t, don’t.</p>

<p>I don’t think it would be detrimental considering it never really explicitly states that you can’t submit a third. However, there is a chance that they might not read it so it could just be ineffective. If I were you, I would ask him to write one but I’m sure there are many people on this board who would disagree. :)</p>

<p>I agree with unenlightened- contacting the schools is important here. Many say they’ll accept 1-2 more than the minimum and just not to go overboard, while some really just want the number that they want. I think most schools would be ok with just one extra, but you should ask them just in case.</p>

<p>In this case it sounds like this person could really speak to your character and who you are, how having you at a school would benefit the atmosphere there. I’d say send it in if it only goes 1 above what they request.</p>