Losing points for too many LOR's?

[jchap]

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I realize that certain schools don't need more than 2 or 3 LOR's. But, if you send them more, do they get mad at you, or do they simply not read all of them? I have 6 LOR's that I think will all be strong and positive. I would love for schools to have them all, and then read as many as they want. But not if I'm going to be slapped on the wrist for it.

Suggestions?

Also, do I want to "save" some of these LOR's to be sent later down the road, like alongside letters of intent?

I'm applying to the 6 schools in Chicago, and I have already contacted admissions folks at a few of them, who say stuff like, "more than X is probably unnecessary." Still, I would feel silly if I didn't send them a letter that may have swayed them.

 

[Tapepsi]

When I did it a year ago I remember schools requesting letters from 2 science profs, 2 non-science profs, and 1 whatever prof. Or you could have 1 committee letter that your school makes that combines all of those letters together. I was glad to have that as it allowed me to have 2 other LOR's from physicians. Do you have the option of having them combined? You could always ask your college's prehealth committee.

Also, did they specify who the 3 LOR's had to be from? Such as 1 prof, 1 doctor, etc...

But to answer your question, if they don't have specific requirements on who the LORs have to be from, since you said all 6 were strong, I'd say pick 3 that will most likely cover different aspects.

 

[ceasefire]

Many schools will gladly reveal their maximum number of letters if they have a limit. If they tell you they prefer no more than X, I wouldn't provide more, especially if your letters are of equal strength (which you'll have to blindly assume) and all from the same source type (ie, science professor).

 

[FattySlug]

I checked a few schools on my list today and some set limit at 5. Others do not say what the max is. Generally with 2 sci, 1 non-sci, 2 from volunteer you fit the requirement for a lot of schools.

SUNY down state limits at 2 for non-traditional (me) so you just have to check each school.

 

[raltima07]

I am using a committee letter as well - that takes all those letter to fill one slot

 

[Avoidthetiger]

I'm pretty sure Northwestern clearly states they only want 3. I wouldn't send more than 3 LORs. IMO, it's a good way to weed out people who didn't look at their website and are just applying; and those that can't follow directions.

 

[Hafez]

I'm pretty sure Northwestern clearly states they only want 3. I wouldn't send more than 3 LORs. IMO, it's a good way to weed out people who didn't look at their website and are just applying; and those that can't follow directions.

How does that work if your school sends a letter packet...you don't have a choice

...however many letters are in that letter packet get submitted to all your schools and you can only make one letter packet

 

[Avoidthetiger]

How does that work if your school sends a letter packet...you don't have a choice

...however many letters are in that letter packet get submitted to all your schools and you can only make one letter packet

I think you are OK if it is all in one packet/committee letter. My school doesn't have committee letters though - so I didn't research that. I recommend looking at Northwestern's website and verifying for yourself.

 

[latrala2300]

I'm pretty sure Northwestern clearly states they only want 3. I wouldn't send more than 3 LORs. IMO, it's a good way to weed out people who didn't look at their website and are just applying; and those that can't follow directions.

Check out this link

http://www.ltsc.ucsb.edu/health/info_sheets/med_school_letter_types.pdf

Only a handful of schools seem to have an upper limit on the number of LORs.