2 LORs as opposed to 3? Forum

[AJ_NY]

Hey guys,

I see that most of the schools require 2 LORs - what are the advantages/disadvantages for sending in more than required?

[malleus discentium]

Hey guys,

I see that most of the schools require 2 LORs - what are the advantages/disadvantages for sending in more than required?

A mediocre third LOR weakens the effect of two strong ones. Unless all three are stellar, stick to your two strongest academic LORs.

[hopefulsplitter93]

Hey guys,

I see that most of the schools require 2 LORs - what are the advantages/disadvantages for sending in more than required?

A mediocre third LOR weakens the effect of two strong ones. Unless all three are stellar, stick to your two strongest academic LORs.

Going to have to agree. If you are staring at 3 LoRs right now I bet that you could pick 2 that are stronger than the remaining. Going above and beyond requirements to send in a decent LoR probably isn't the best look.

Disclaimer: 0L

[antiworldly]

I agree with the commentary so far. The only exception is if you've got two very strong general LORs and then a third school specific LOR. Then you may want to think about submitting all three, but it's a fine line because, as indicated, two strong + one weak LOR < two strong LOR.

[Mack.Hambleton]

Also for the non KJDs it's normal to have a more recent LOR from ur job

[AJ_NY]

Thank you guys!

I do have 1 LOR from my direct boss (an attorney and I worked there for about 2 years, I'm 5 years out of school) and I have 2 LORs from my professors (one from a director of my major and another one from my minor adviser). I know the one from my work will be the best one out of all three - If this is the case, would you send 1 of the 2 academic LORs from the professor or both of them?

[malleus discentium]

Thank you guys!

I do have 1 LOR from my direct boss (an attorney and I worked there for about 2 years, I'm 5 years out of school) and I have 2 LORs from my professors (one from a director of my major and another one from my minor adviser). I know the one from my work will be the best one out of all three - If this is the case, would you send 1 of the 2 academic LORs from the professor or both of them?

Academic LORs need to have firsthand ability to talk about your academic abilities. I can't imagine a minor advisor can really do that.