how many letters to send

[echoyjeff222]

Just wondering on thoughts for how many letters to send to schools: for example it says

"

• Three individuals letters, at least one of which must be from a science faculty member familiar with your academic work.*
  "

for George Washington.

On MSAR it says Max of 5 letters and min. of 3. can I send 5, or should I just stick with what they say on their site?

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[gyngyn]

You are within acceptable limits to send 5 to this school.
Generally speaking, more letters do not strengthen an application, though.
The minimum number of strong letters is preferable.

 

[Grace184]

Agreed. Unless you have research experience and a PI letter, or some other greatly exceptional letter, don't be over ambitious

 

[gannicus89]

I went with the max limit for each school. So one school only asked for 3-
I submitted just 3 while making sure I fulfilled their requirements. Another school said max 8, so I submitted all 6 letters I have. The people I asked for letters know me very, very well and were happy to write me a letter so I am not concerned about the possibility of a weak or damaging letter.