is 5 letters of recommendation too much ?

[pharmacistforever]

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i already have three letters of recommendation that was already received by the pharmcas 😳ne from the pharmacy manger , one from a staff pharmacist and one from my biology professor. i can potentially get two more letters of recommendation. one possibly from another pharmacist and one from my my microbiology professor. do you guys think that is too much and the three letters of recommendation is just fine ?

 

[RxEvileye]

Note what the maximum amount of references is:

https://portal.pharmcas.org/pharmcasHelpPages/instructions-and-faq/references/

As for whether the max would be too much, I used the maximum amount allowed because I felt all of them were very strong letters from people who knew me in different ways. I think it helps, but only if they are strong. You don't want another letter if they're not going to "highly recommend" you.

 

[NejixRockS]

Note what the maximum amount of references is:

https://portal.pharmcas.org/pharmcasHelpPages/instructions-and-faq/references/

As for whether the max would be too much, I used the maximum amount allowed because I felt all of them were very strong letters from people who knew me in different ways. I think it helps, but only if they are strong. You don't want another letter if they're not going to "highly recommend" you.

I have a question that's kind of relevant to your post. I already have 3 excellent letters of recommendation, I can get a 4th, but I don't think it will be that good (compared to the other three). In a case like this, should I go ahead and add a 4th letter, or just stay with my other 3? Thanks!

 

[RxEvileye]

I have a question that's kind of relevant to your post. I already have 3 excellent letters of recommendation, I can get a 4th, but I don't think it will be that good (compared to the other three). In a case like this, should I go ahead and add a 4th letter, or just stay with my other 3? Thanks!

I'm not sure if quantity is always better. It's really just a judgement call. One thing you can do though, is meet with the person frequently now such that you can improve that letter to an excellent one. Be very organized in giving them your application materials to reference, maybe go out to lunch to talk about pharmacy, etc.

Also look in PharmCAS to find out what they see on their end to help you determine if their letter might stand out in a negative way. For example, they're asked how long they've known you for. If your other three have been your besties for years but this fourth one is some professor you just met who's just gonna say you're a good student... It might not help your app very much.

 

[ATXtripper]

Pick the best 3. Don't submit anything less than stellar recommendations--mediocre ones can't help.

 

[athin001]

4 is usually the max. most schools take 2-3. 5 is unnecessary if it means you will apply late

 

[Jibby321]

Less is more. The minimum is fine. Nobody wants to read 5 LORs

 

[MGM921]

Where I'm applying they asks for 2, if you submit more, they pick only 2 to review. So I agree, only good letters of recommendation. Why risk them picking and reviewing letters that aren't the strongest?