Too many schools?

[cquin]

I'm applying for my PhD in English lit, and have a list of eight schools. When it comes to asking professors for letters of recommendation, does eight seem like too high of a number? I know that most professors reuse the same template for their LoR, but I worry that it will be inconvenient for them to submit eight times. Should I cut back on one or two schools?

[Strangefox]

I'm applying for my PhD in English lit, and have a list of eight schools. When it comes to asking professors for letters of recommendation, does eight seem like too high of a number? I know that most professors reuse the same template for their LoR, but I worry that it will be inconvenient for them to submit eight times. Should I cut back on one or two schools?

A person asked here some time ago if 15 schools is fine (for the same reason) and people told him that it's ok

Eight is definetely fine. Professors can use the same templates and the same letters, and submitting them is not likely to be very difficult.

[fuzzylogician]

I'm applying for my PhD in English lit, and have a list of eight schools. When it comes to asking professors for letters of recommendation, does eight seem like too high of a number? I know that most professors reuse the same template for their LoR, but I worry that it will be inconvenient for them to submit eight times. Should I cut back on one or two schools?

If you're convinced that all 8 schools are a good fit for you, don't cut any of them. Many people apply to 8 or more schools and recommenders don't usually have a problem with that. As you say, they reuse the same letter template, changing only the cover letter. I'd suggest you tell them you're applying to 8 schools, and see what they think about that. Use the opportunity to ask for their opinion of your choices and whether they recommend adding or removing a school.