LOR Question

[kwcflynn]

So I was always planned to send two professor letters and one letter from work, but now that I am seeing that many schools accept four I'm considering to send a second work letter. However, although I'm sure it's positive, I fear that perhaps that second letter is slightly cookie cuter - wouldn't necessarily consider it extraordinary. Is it worth submitting all four letters or playing it safe and submitting my original 3?

Thank you very much!!

[Adam Tyson]

A letter of recommendation that is less than glowing is worse than no letter at all, kwcflynn. If you are applying to a school that requires three letters but allows four, and the fourth one wouldn't be particularly helpful, just send three! But if they require a fourth letter, seek out someone else, someone who write something positively glowing about your work habits, your performance, your dedication, etc.

Consider whether you might have a co-worker, rather than a supervisor, who could write about what a great, helpful team member you are? If the school doesn't require the letter to come from an employer or supervisor, that might be the better way to go. For sure, avoid a cookie-cutter LOR, because that can do no good and could even prove harmful. It would show, among other things, poor judgment on your part in asking that person for a letter in the first place.