Do PT programs read additional Letters of Reference?

[jadajar]

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Does anyone have an idea whether or not programs will actually take the time to read additional Letters of Reference that I send? Say if a school asks for 2 but I have 4.. Will the other 2 be considered for evaluation as well?

Thanks much in advance for your help!

 

[aroszko]

Most schools have 1000+ applicants so my guess is that they will read only what is required, unless there is something really compelling that they feel the need to read the other 2. But just think if everyone of those 1000 applicants submitted 4 references instead of 2 that would be double the amount to read/filer through.

Just make sure you're strongest letters are 1st and 2nd.

 

[jadajar]

Most schools have 1000+ applicants so my guess is that they will read only what is required, unless there is something really compelling that they feel the need to read the other 2. But just think if everyone of those 1000 applicants submitted 4 references instead of 2 that would be double the amount to read/filer through.

Just make sure you're strongest letters are 1st and 2nd.

Thanks for your reply. Is there any way that I can change my strongest letters to be "1st and 2nd?" I feel like my best ones were received later and are 3rd and 4th... Thanks!

 

[DesertPT]

I have asked several schools this question and they said submitting more than the requirement is fine and that they will all be considered. Whether they actually sit and read all of them or not, I don't know. At schools that receive more than a couple hundred applications, I doubt LORs are really each looked at in any great detail anyway. As long as your references are all positive and from quality sources, you will be fine regardless.

Lots of people have to submit four even though most schools only require 3 or sometimes 2, because to cover your bases for a variety of programs you often need a professor, 2 PTs and an additional one from a professor/supervisor/employer/academic.

And no there is no way that I have found to specify which references you would prefer they look at the most.

 

[Archline]

If the school conducts interviews, they most likely won't even touch the LOR or essay until the interview. Then they will use them as potential talking points. If the school does not conduct interviews, then the LOR become more relevant. Hope that helps.