Number of LORs?

[rainy_day]

Hello all,

I was wondering how many LORs you are planning on providing. I know the minimum at most places is 2-3, but I have heard of people submitting 5 or more. My first thought is that this seems to be overkill. I was wondering what you think.

[ewurgler]

Submit no more than 3. The problem with submitting more than 3 is that they will usually only read 3. Therefore, you run the risk of them skipping the "best" one and reading a mediocre one from someone who doesn't really know you.

Submit 3. It doesn't look any better if you submit 5.

[rogue]

Submit no more than 3. The problem with submitting more than 3 is that they will usually only read 3. Therefore, you run the risk of them skipping the "best" one and reading a mediocre one from someone who doesn't really know you.

Submit 3. It doesn't look any better if you submit 5.

This is pretty much what I've heard as well.

[socialcomm]

This is pretty much what I've heard as well.

I've heard this too.

[alexis]

One program I'm applying to has a requirement for 3, but on the online app, it says "you must submit 4." I'm pretty sure it's wrong and the requirement is still 3; I'm waiting to hear back from the admissions email I contacted, but seriously, I wish programs would make clear their requirements. Imagine submitting 4 and then, as you mentioned, the best one doesn't get read.

[profound_g]

I wouldn't recommend submitting more than required.

I've seen one place that specifically stated to send no more than 2 (they used exclamation marks so I think they were serious).

[rogue]

they used exclamation marks so I think they were serious

Ha. I wish all schools would use exclamation points for all the things they're really serious about. And maybe question marks for the things they don't really care about.