Number of Letters of Recommendation

[Guacamolerat]

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I currently have 5 letters of recommendation lined up (2 stem prof, 1 non-stem, my PI, and my employer for a clinical position), as well as the committee letter that my advisors write. Would it be more harmful than helpful to ask for a 6th letter? I was thinking of asking my employer at the volunteer position I hold, but can obviously see how at a certain point adcoms would start skimming/skipping letters.

 

[wysdoc]

I currently have 5 letters of recommendation lined up (2 stem prof, 1 non-stem, my PI, and my employer for a clinical position), as well as the committee letter that my advisors write. Would it be more harmful than helpful to ask for a 6th letter? I was thinking of asking my employer at the volunteer position I hold, but can obviously see how at a certain point adcoms would start skimming/skipping letters.

Each school will tell you the number they accept, and I don’t know of any that require more than 4.
Once you have a school list locked in your mind, seek out the number and types of letters they want.
Don’t send more than the maximum a school wants!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I currently have 5 letters of recommendation lined up (2 stem prof, 1 non-stem, my PI, and my employer for a clinical position), as well as the committee letter that my advisors write. Would it be more harmful than helpful to ask for a 6th letter? I was thinking of asking my employer at the volunteer position I hold, but can obviously see how at a certain point adcoms would start skimming/skipping letters.

Check the schools on your list for specific requirements.

AMCAS gives you 10 slots, but just because you can doesn't mean you should.

Also, sometimes people forget or back out of what you thought was a commitment to write you a letter.

 

[Goro]

I currently have 5 letters of recommendation lined up (2 stem prof, 1 non-stem, my PI, and my employer for a clinical position), as well as the committee letter that my advisors write. Would it be more harmful than helpful to ask for a 6th letter? I was thinking of asking my employer at the volunteer position I hold, but can obviously see how at a certain point adcoms would start skimming/skipping letters.

Please have mercy on those of us who have to read these things!
Six letters is merely gilding the lily.