Diversifying LoRs?

[gradient5656]

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[MonkeyArrow]

Why do you feel as if some of your LORs will be negative? If you think one is negative, then don't include it, although my next question would be why did you ask for that letter in the first place. Go with your three strongest.

 

[gradient5656]

Why do you feel as if some of your LORs will be negative? If you think one is negative, then don't include it, although my next question would be why did you ask for that letter in the first place. Go with your three strongest.

I don’t have a feeling any of them will be negative. Some will just be stronger than others IMO, but I’ve heard a couple horror stories through SDN that professors agree to write you a strong LOR than say you’re the devil which is what I’m paranoid about lol.

Also I have all of these because I asked for them after the class ended so I’ve collected them over the past 3 semesters of small classes where professors know you.

 

[gradient5656]

Why on earth are you applying to 40 schools?
Cut that freaking list in half!!!!
Do any of the schools have limits on letters?

I’m a borderline applicant. 510 3.6 above average ECs. I’m only sending 3 to each school.

 

[chaim123]

I don’t have a feeling any of them will be negative. Some will just be stronger than others IMO, but I’ve heard a couple horror stories through SDN that professors agree to write you a strong LOR than say you’re the devil which is what I’m paranoid about lol.

Also I have all of these because I asked for them after the class ended so I’ve collected them over the past 3 semesters of small classes where professors know you.

Just for future reference, I think this was a poor plan. You've asked 6 professors to spend time and energy writing a letter about you. You specifically asked for a strong letter and they said yes, so they aren't trying to screw you over. And now you've wasted the time of half of them, because you won't ever use them. I think there was a more responsible and respectful way to go about this.

 

[Wahkoon]

Some letters are always going to be better than others. As long as they know you and can speak well on your behalf, there is no problem. They are much more likely to refuse your request than to take the time writing a bad letter.

 

[gradient5656]

When did a 510 and 3.6 become borderline. You need to fill out 40, freaking 40 secondaries in a fast, high quality manner. You are making a shotgun spproach that will less effective. Cut the freaking list in half

Ok I’ll look into cutting the list but a 510, 3.6 is borderline for an ORM from looking at average stats.

Just for future reference, I think this was a poor plan. You've asked 6 professors to spend time and energy writing a letter about you. You specifically asked for a strong letter and they said yes, so they aren't trying to screw you over. And now you've wasted the time of half of them, because you won't ever use them. I think there was a more responsible and respectful way to go about this.

I asked for these letters throughout the last two years or so at the end of each semester. If I liked the class and professor, I would ask for a letter after the class was over. However, last semester I got two letters from new professors I really connected with. Nothing wrong with asking them even though I had letters.

 

[chaim123]

Nothing wrong with asking them even though I had letters.

The problem is that you asked professors whose letters you aren't going to use. It would have been better to wait, and then reach out to professors when you know who you want to represent you. That way you don't waste their time.