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How many letters of recommendation?

Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2013 8:11 pm
by bisanch
Should I submit only the required number of letters?

Re: How many letters of recommendation?

Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2013 8:32 pm
by CookieDough
Depends on what LORs you have. Two strong ones are better than four mediocre ones.

Re: How many letters of recommendation?

Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2013 8:36 pm
by bisanch
That's the thing. I can't accurately gauge how strong the two of the three recommendations are. I know for sure that the first one is stronger than the other two, but I can't decide which of the leftover two to pick.

Re: How many letters of recommendation?

Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2013 8:37 pm
by CookieDough
Who are the other two from?

Re: How many letters of recommendation?

Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2013 8:42 pm
by bisanch
All three are from professors.

Re: How many letters of recommendation?

Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2013 9:00 pm
by CookieDough
Are you still in UG? Basically I'm trying to figure out who you have the better relationship with. What were their reactions when you asked them for the recommendations?

Re: How many letters of recommendation?

Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2013 9:02 pm
by midnight_circus
If you honestly can't determine which of the other two is better, send both. Unless the school only permits 2, then either pick a reasonable metric or flip a coin.

Re: How many letters of recommendation?

Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2013 9:15 pm
by bisanch
CookieDough wrote:Are you still in UG? Basically I'm trying to figure out who you have the better relationship with. What were their reactions when you asked them for the recommendations?
Yes. They were both glad to write me one. I asked one of the professors right after the semester ended, two and a half weeks ago. The other, I asked last summer.

Re: How many letters of recommendation?

Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2013 9:15 pm
by bisanch
midnight_circus wrote:If you honestly can't determine which of the other two is better, send both. Unless the school only permits 2, then either pick a reasonable metric or flip a coin.
So, sending in more than the "required" number of letters won't be detrimental?

Re: How many letters of recommendation?

Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2013 9:19 pm
by midnight_circus
bisanch wrote:
midnight_circus wrote:If you honestly can't determine which of the other two is better, send both. Unless the school only permits 2, then either pick a reasonable metric or flip a coin.
So, sending in more than the "required" number of letters won't be detrimental?
Not if it's reasonable--e.g., don't send in 7. As Spivey said, if you send additional letters the worst that can happen is that they don't get read.
Sending more than their maximum would be detrimental, however. Follow directions.

Re: How many letters of recommendation?

Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2013 9:27 pm
by bisanch
midnight_circus wrote:
bisanch wrote:
midnight_circus wrote:If you honestly can't determine which of the other two is better, send both. Unless the school only permits 2, then either pick a reasonable metric or flip a coin.
So, sending in more than the "required" number of letters won't be detrimental?
Not if it's reasonable--e.g., don't send in 7. As Spivey said, if you send additional letters the worst that can happen is that they don't get read.
Sending more than their maximum would be detrimental, however. Follow directions.
Understood. Thank you. I'll be sending in all three.

Re: How many letters of recommendation?

Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2013 9:36 pm
by CookieDough
bisanch wrote:
midnight_circus wrote:
bisanch wrote:
midnight_circus wrote:If you honestly can't determine which of the other two is better, send both. Unless the school only permits 2, then either pick a reasonable metric or flip a coin.
So, sending in more than the "required" number of letters won't be detrimental?
Not if it's reasonable--e.g., don't send in 7. As Spivey said, if you send additional letters the worst that can happen is that they don't get read.
Sending more than their maximum would be detrimental, however. Follow directions.
Understood. Thank you. I'll be sending in all three.
Sounds like the right call. Good luck!