Question about Evaluations/LOR Forum

[Cochran]

While I am seeking LORs from my current supervisors and past educators who truly know me, I was wondering how I could approach others who I am not as close with, but who'd be willing to give me positive reviews. At the firm I currently work at, there are many prominent alums to some of the schools that I'm looking to apply. However, I've had very limited interaction with many of these individuals (large firm). Would evaluations from these individuals possibly help my application? Or would I be better off requesting a LOR (likely ending up with one that isn't very in depth/ knowledgeable)? The same applies to my old academic adviser (liked me a lot and could attest to my strengths, but haven't spoken with in over two years).

[trqdor]

While I am seeking LORs from my current supervisors and past educators who truly know me, I was wondering how I could approach others who I am not as close with, but who'd be willing to give me positive reviews. At the firm I currently work at, there are many prominent alums to some of the schools that I'm looking to apply. However, I've had very limited interaction with many of these individuals (large firm). Would evaluations from these individuals possibly help my application? Or would I be better off requesting a LOR (likely ending up with one that isn't very in depth/ knowledgeable)? The same applies to my old academic adviser (liked me a lot and could attest to my strengths, but haven't spoken with in over two years).

general consensus here is that you only need (and should not have more than) two. a third is acceptable if and only if all three are expected to be exceptional.

according to related posts, nobody seems to place much weight on the evaluations, which leads me to think that they can only hurt your application. imagine from an admissions officers point of view.. if you have one or two additional evaluations/LORs that portray you as mediocre, it may challenge the judgment of the two LORs that say you are exceptional, thereby compromising you application.

in this case, less is more, particularly if you are unsure if all your evaluators/recommenders are not on the same page in terms of your abilities. I am not even bothering with asking anyone from work for a LOR even though I've worked here for a little over a year, unless a school specifically asks for one from my employer.