I am applying to SCA (Cinema & Media Studies division). I want to send 3 letters of rec through my Common App and 2 through Slideroom. I know only SCA will read the Slideroom ones, but is that still too many letters of rec? I don’t want to be a “thick kid with a thick file.” Thanks for any input on this, I really appreciate the help.
I believe that SCA asks for a total of 3 letters of recommendations, which can be submitted through the Common Application or through SlideRoom. I would take that to be 3 expected in total. USC in general requires none but allows you to submit 3. You seem to be suggesting sending a total of 5. IMO, that could be pushing it a bit. I would pick your 3 best and only submit those… maybe two from teachers and one from another source.
Good luck…
You should upload three to slideroom, because SCA asks for three and they might not check your Common App. You can upload the same 3 to Common App for USC general admissions to look at if you want, but there’s no need to upload 5 separate ones. This is coming from a Cinema and Media Studies major.
According to SCA’s SlideRoom Instructions, you do not need to submit them to both places…
“REFERENCES: Three letters of recommendation (no particular format) are required. Letters submitted via the Common Application may be used towards the three letters of recommendation required. Applicants are responsible for requesting letters of recommendation as well as confirming that they have been received. Provide up to 3 references.”
So… they will look at the Common Application for Letter of Recommendation, and they do not want a total of more than 3.
Hope that helps…
Ok I’m fine for now because so far I only submitted 3 (all from teachers) but I really want to submit one from my internship to SCA. (My internship was at a film production company.) I shouldn’t do that, right? Thank you for the help.
@filmstudent2 My daughter is a current SCA applicant as well and was in the exact same boat. She worked at a film production company and thus submitted that letter of recommendation along with two from teachers, so they would have the 3 requested. I would recommend that approach as well, if possible, but if you have already submitted three from teachers, I would go ahead and submit the 4th thru SlideRoom only. Or… if you really want to comply fully, simply do not assign all three teachers via the Common Application to USC. Even if three teachers upload to the Common Application, you can assign or unassign to specific schools.
Good Luck
Thank you all for the advice!
you’re welcome. good luck…