Sending more LORs than needed

[LetsGo352]

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I called a school and asked them if I could send 6 LORs instead of their requirement of 5. The person that picked up the phone said it was okay but should I do it? I'm afraid that the ADCOM might not want to read 6 letters and just pick the first 5 that they see, in which case they may leave out one of the more important letters. What do you all suggest?

 

[NickNaylor]

Why would you need more than five letters? As an adcom, would you take the time to read six LORs from one person's application?

 

[LetsGo352]

Why would you need more than five letters? As an adcom, would you take the time to read six LORs from one person's application?

I don't really know. I guess the more support the better? But I can see how it can get annoying to see so many letters. So, if I include only one of my character references, which one should it be:

1.) A tenured professor who I have not taken classes with but who has been a family friend for my entire life and who can strongly attest to my character and interest in medicine.

OR

2.) A close friend of 10 yrs in undergrad who I have take a few classes with and is currently my roommate. Because he sees me on a daily basis, it may offer more support.

Which one would you choose?

 

[Amadelphous]

I don't really know. I guess the more support the better? But I can see how it can get annoying to see so many letters. So, if I include only one of my character references, which one should it be:

1.) A tenured professor who I have not taken classes with but who has been a family friend for my entire life and who can strongly attest to my character and interest in medicine.

OR

2.) A close friend of 10 yrs in undergrad who I have take a few classes with and is currently my roommate. Because he sees me on a daily basis, it may offer more support.

Which one would you choose?

A close friend is not qualified to write a recommendation. Just because they like you doesn't mean they understand the qualities necessary to make a good physician. Choose option 1 (even though someone who taught you is better, but at least this person has judged many students)

Applications are also a way to see who can follow directions. Follow the posted guidelines.

 

[LetsGo352]

A close friend is not qualified to write a recommendation. Just because they like you doesn't mean they understand the qualities necessary to make a good physician. Choose option 1 (even though someone who taught you is better, but at least this person has judged many students)

Applications are also a way to see who can follow directions. Follow the posted guidelines.

I agree about the friend thing, but some of the schools say it's okay to send letter from academic peers/friend.

 

[LetsGo352]

Yeah, looks like I'll just include the prof's letter and keep it at 5. Thanks for the input.

 

[2050vlsb]

I think sending one extra letter isn't going to put at a real detriment or significantly add to an adcom's workload, provided that additional letter is strong and will improve your application. I've looked at the requirements at most of the schools I applied to, and a vast number of them suggest 3-6 letters is appropriate.

In terms of actually being allowed to send more than the number of letters requested (though you've already probably gotten this info) .. I was in a similar scenario, where i had 6 letters in my packet, but some schools specifically had upper limits. I contacted them, and everyone replied back saying that extra letter or two wouldn't be a problem

 

[obgyny]

I'm using my school's letter service, so they send all of my LORs as one packet (you cannot pick and choose which letters go to which schools). So even though a school only wants you to send 3 letters, my letters will always be sent as one packet (it will be at least 5 letters, maybe 6). Schools will accept letter packets, even if the letters exceed their limit, but you'll have no control over which letters they'll read. I wish you could indicate which letters they should read if they'll only read 3.