LORs for More than 1 Program

[bluejay16]

Hey,

Just wanted to see what the norm is for LORs. Obviously people apply to more than 1 program, but is it too much to ask a professor to do 3 LORs (each for a different program)? Or do you ask your prof to write one LOR and then see if he or she can make a duplicate of it for your other apps?

Your advice is much appreciated!

[Bison_PhD]

No, if professor's agree to write you a LOR, they are expecting to write one to every school to which you apply. Most programs will send them instructions to submit their LOR electronically. It will be up to them, how different the LOR will be for each program. Some will just send the same letter to every program, but the good LOR writers will keep the same general format but tweak it for each program.

This is why it is important to communicate your interests to your LOR writers. Let them know what your interests are and possibly why you like the schools to which you are applying.

Edited June 16, 2011 by Bison