Submitting extra letters of reference

[biostatboi]

Specifically for PhD programs in Statistics, is there a consensus on when (if ever) extra letters of reference should be submitted? I have 5 potential letters, and I think they'll each be quite strong. If the schools I'm applying to allow for additional letters, do you think it's a good idea to submit all 5?

It feels awkward talking about my research experience with a particular professor in my SOP and then not having a letter of reference from them. On the other hand, I don't want to irritate the committees with so many documents to read through.

Let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

Edited September 13, 2017 by biostatboi

[cyberwulf]

There's really no reason not to submit extra letters unless a school explicitly says that they will not accept them. I'd guesstimate that about 5-10% of applicants to our program submit more than the required 3; usually, it has relatively little impact on their admissions results.