Gave my Recommenders the list . . . can I change the list?

[Psych Student]

Doing all these applications has gotten me thinking about things, and a back-up school I'm applying to seems less and less desirable as time goes on.

I am thinking about deleting that school from the list and applying to a different one. My recommenders would be doing the same number, just one would be different. Would this be an issue? Should I inform them, or just let them get the email?

[moody]

Tell them. It is always best to be honest and upfront about stuff like this. I'm sure that they won't mind that you've altered your plans, but it might be confusing for them to receive an e-mail from somewhere that is not on the list you gave them.

[kaputzing]

Absolutely tell them. "After careful consideration, I've decided to drop X school and add Y school to my list. Here is the new attached Excel sheet with all the due dates etc."

I updated my professors on my list 3-4 times. They won't mind at all.

[emmm]

I also "updated" my list when I was applying -- adding a program WITHOUT removing any, thus making MORE work for my professors. They didn't seem to mind one iota. If they enthusiastically agreed to write letters for you, they WANT you to do well, and they understand what you need from them. Just make sure to tell them when you do get good news.

:-)

Good Luck!

[pcarter38]

A list?? How many schools do you think are the maximum to ask recommenders for? Im debating between maybe 5 schools.

[St Andrews Lynx]

Tell them that you've changed, so that they can look out for email from School Y and not be concerned when they can't find anything from School X in their inbox. 

[uromastyx]

I also kept my LOR writers updated on changes to my list. 5 schools is a small list, and they know the process, they won't be at all bothered by sending it to school X instead of school Y.

[queenleblanc]

Shouldn't be a problem in changing.  Since most LOR's are done online now anyway, they will know by the email they receive what recommendations to fill out.  It would be good to send a courtesy email if you can, like others said, just letting them know that you dropped one or two, or whatever.  I took two schools off my list and added two more later, and my LOR people had no issue with that at all (it happens a LOT as you investigate where you want to apply).  

[Villain Elle]

A list?? How many schools do you think are the maximum to ask recommenders for? Im debating between maybe 5 schools.

 

People apply to a range. For my field (Creative Writing), I think I read that people apply to an average of 6 to 10. I applied to 10. Although I'm happy with my result, I would up that number to 15 if I were applying again just to give myself more options. 

 

Anyway, professors are used to students having long lists of schools. Just make it as easy on them as you can by organizing their materials and giving them as much information as you can up front. If changes need to be made, just let them know right away.