Number of Recommendation letters

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

I have five brilliant letters of recommendations, should I send all of them in? 2 from teachers, 1 from principal and 2 professors.

2

@edcv99 - Common app allows 1 counselor, 2 teachers, 2 others for Harvard

3

While true, just because you can send more recs does not mean that you should. In general, if a school allows extra recs, you should limit it to one more than the required. Even then, it should only be if the extra rec can add some insight that is not covered in the other recs. Otherwise, the old adage applies: the thicker the file, the thicker the kid. More material to read does not mean that an AO will spend extra time on your app; it just means the some other part will be skimmed.

4

Omit principal and one professor recommendation.

5

I would try to keep them all if they are truly wonderful and each has something different to say. Do you have a guidance counselor involved or is the principal doing it instead? If so, then keep all 5. It might help to call admissions just to get their okay if your recommendations don’t fit the template. And extras can be sent separately from the Common App if need be. You’ll feel better if you ask.