Non-academic LOR for LOR-optional program application

[bigtrees]

I have one program that accepts but does not require LORs. Several professional colleagues were kind enough to write Letters of Recommendation for me. I read two of these. While excellent LORs, they reflect professional contributions to my field and do not discuss my potential as a graduate student. Is it beneficial to ask the letter writers to submit to the program that has optional LORs? I hate to bother the kind folks who wrote the letters again, and don't think that they really tell an admissions committee much that they admissions committee doesn't already know. My gut feeling is I should be fine without LORs but wanted to ask here.

Edited December 26, 2019 by bigtrees

[Libra924]

If the program doesn't require LORs, but you have some to submit anyway, I would still submit them.  Why let them go to waste?  I also think that if those letters reflect professional contributions, I think that speaks very positively about your potential as a graduate student anyway.  

The general rule is that if you've been out of school for a long time, academic LORs are not necessary.  Work-related letters take the place of academic letters in those kinds of cases.  Take me, for example.  I'm in my mid-30s applying to law school next year.  I've been out of college for over 10 years, and I'll be submitting 2 LORs..one from a past work supervisor, and the other from a non-profit organization that I've been volunteering for.  That's perfectly acceptable.