More LORs the better?

[DBear]

Hello all,

I've come across a couple of schools that have a minimum number of LORs specified without a maximum number. The majority ask for 3.

For schools that say something like 'at least 2", would it be okay to send 4 or 5 then? 

Has anyone sent more than the specified number? 

Good luck everyone!

[fuzzylogician]

For schools that say "more than n", it's ok to submit a higher number, BUT only if all of the extra letters are actually strong and add something to your application that wouldn't be there with just the n. Think of it this way: you're making the admissions committee read an extra 2-4 pages. They'd better get something out of it. If not, you will not have helped your chances. And of course if any of the letters are weak, then there is absolutely no reason to want to include it. 

For schools that say "exactly n", it might be better to stick with what they ask. Some application software will allow you to submit more than the required number of letters, but it might very well be that admissions committee will only read the first n, since that's what they asked for (or, they may just get pissed because apparently you can't follow instructions). So, if you do go this route, take into account that some letters might end up not being read, and ask yourself if you're equally comfortable with any n of the n+ letters you submit being chosen. That said, I did sometimes submit 4 letters when only three were required when I applied for grad schools, and I don't think it hurt my applications at all. But, there is a risk involved in doing this that you should be aware of.