More than 3 LOR s, good or bad?

[Theoretical2010]

in the CALTECH application site one can submit up to 6 LORs but three is the requirment and the norm, is there any benefit to register more than 3 LORs?

[ScreamingHairyArmadillo]

You should send more than 3 only if you have close relationships with more than 3 possible letter writers. Otherwise, a letter from a prof that doesn't really know you too well and can just say "Oh yes, they did fine in my class" will be superfluous.

[LateAntique]

There's one school to which I sent 4 LoRs. It worked out that I needed this core of 3 people to write me letters, but another one of my professors (one of my favorites, actually) is an alum of this program - so he said he'd write me a letter too, just in case that might help.

[fuzzylogician]

Just because the application site has this option doesn't mean the program allows you to submit more than 3 letters, you should check the program's requirements. If you have a fourth letter that's strong and helpful you should submit it, but don't submit a "did well in class" letter.