<p>is sending in 2 optional recs not advisable ?</p>
<p>unless the second optional rec will show something about you not previously stated in the other four recc (2 teacher, 1 optional, 1 guidance) total you shall be sending than don't send it</p>
<p>I'm submitting three...but they come from very different sources who highlight very different aspects of my personality.
i don't think you should worry too much.</p>
<p>I don't know anything about the admission process...but i think getting a college is just like getting a girl...u have to show ur abilities but u shouldn'd be too obvious...i am too stupid to give any advice but i think giving 5 recos (3 + 2 opt) will make u look desperate man. No chick dig desperation man... even Princeton</p>
<p>"5 recos (3 + 2 opt) will make u look desperate man"</p>
<p>absolutely true. It gives the appearance that you are desperate/overzealous and are trying to overcompensate.</p>
<p>this is basically my point.
If you are an engaging and a memorable person, just a few people should be able to describe you very well and vividly. You really don't need 2-3 OPTIONAL reference letters. Having 4-5 recommendation letters total increases the chances of having repetitive comments(that bore adcom ppl) or worse, having generic letters.</p>
<p>Princeton gives you 1 optional ref. form for a reason. don't just print out 2-3 and send in all of them</p>