Some schools require three rec letters, but can you just send them two?

[uclacolumbia]

For someone who has trouble find a recommender, is it ok to just send two letters to schools who "require" three letters? I've heard that some schools just require three letters as a formality and they would still review the application if there are only two letters....

thoughts?

[Gvh]

Um, well usually when they say three letters are required, it usually means that they won't review your file without a third recommendation; the adcom would probably just mark your application as 'incomplete'. That said, it's always best to check with each individual school, just to make sure.

[uclacolumbia]

Is it a good idea to have your colleague (or some random friend) to write one for you if you absolutely can't find a 3rd recommender?

(Or you posed as a colleague to write one for yourself, if you know what I mean.)

And is it a good idea to send a few more email request for letter if I don't hear back from my potential recommender after a few days? (cuz I have a deadline in the next week) I sent him email asking for letters about 2 weeks ago... he's actually my third recommender. I've had two set.

Edited December 29, 2011 by UclaColumbia