Is it rude to ask a professor for multiple letters of recommendation?

Asked by: Bertha Moore V  |  Last update: November 12, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (46 votes)

In the context of your question details, it is not the least bit rude. If the professor was willing to write you a letter and then at some later point in time, you need that letter again (or a similar one) to open some new door, you should definitely ask. It happens often.

Is it okay to ask a professor for multiple letters of recommendation?

While it might seem intimidating to ask someone to write about you, it doesn't have to be! If you're applying to multiple opportunities, it's totally okay to ask the same person for multiple letters because they can reuse their writing and submit it to any position you apply to.

How to ask a professor for multiple letters of recommendation?

Ask early.

Make an appointment to discuss the recommendation at least three weeks in advance of the deadline—preferably a month or more, especially if you need multiple letters. Professors have very tight schedules and need ample time to write a thoughtful and distinctive letter.

Is it bad to have 4 letters of recommendation?

Familiarize yourself with the different requirements among schools and pay close attention to their instructions. Most colleges will ask for up to three letters of recommendation, so keep that in mind and don't overdo it. If a school wants two recommendation letters, only submit two.

How many teachers can I ask for a letter of recommendation?

It's best to submit two teacher recommendations from either your junior or senior year. One should be from an English teacher, and the other can be from a different discipline, depending on the area you think you may study. Your high school counselor should write the third recommendation letter.

How to Request a Letter of Recommendation from Your Professor: 5 Dos and 5 Don'ts #collegetips

28 related questions found

Can I send 3 letters of recommendation?

Can I submit more than 3 letters of recommendation? Yes, but most departments request only three letters.

Is there a limit to how many letters of recommendation for college?

Most selective colleges and universities require one to three recommendation letters with your application, usually from your guidance counselor and at least one teacher. Recommendation letters are typically submitted electronically through the school-specific supplements on The Common Application.

Is it rude to ask for more than one letter of recommendation?

Consider asking for more letters of recommendation than required for the application. For example, if you're required to submit three letters, you may ask five references to write recommendations for you.

Is 4 letters of recommendation better than 3?

We strongly discourage requesting more than three recommendations unless you are asked to do so by the department to which you are applying. Rather than improving your chances of admission, an excessive number of recommendation letters may actually cause application reviewers to view your file unfavorably.

Is 6 letters of recommendation too much?

How many letters should you prepare? Although the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) allows up to 10 letters of recommendation, we recommend you do not exceed five or six.

Can you ask a professor you barely know for a letter of recommendation?

Yes, you can still ask a professor for a letter of recommendation if you don't know them very well. Personalize the request as much as possible, and provide the professor with plenty of information and records about your time in their class.

Do professors reuse letters of recommendation?

You may be able to reuse letters of recommendation. However, many grad schools ask the letter-writer to submit the letter directly, so you will have to ask your writers to re-submit their letters each time you apply to a new program.

How many letters of recommendation should I request?

Schools vary on the number of letters of recommendation they require, so make sure to check each school's requirements in LSAC. Typically, two-four letters are required, meaning schools most commonly require two letters but will accept up to four.

Can I send more than 3 letters of recommendation to Harvard?

How many letters of recommendation can be included in my application? Harvard Griffin GSAS requires three letters of recommendation. You may ask additional recommenders to submit letters if you choose, however, it is not guaranteed that the admissions committee will review additional letters.

Is a month enough time for a letter of recommendation?

The first step in requesting a letter of recommendation involves timing. Even for seasoned teachers and counselors, each individual letter takes time and thought to do well. I recommend asking your recommenders at least a month before your application deadlines. In some cases, even earlier is better.

How to get letters of recommendation if you don t know anyone high school?

What to Do if You Don't Have Anyone to Write You a Recommendation Letter
  1. Reach out to your academic advisor. ...
  2. Reach out to former professors. ...
  3. Ask your boss (or former boss) ...
  4. Take a class and build a relationship. ...
  5. Talk to Admissions.

Is 4 letters of recommendation too much grad school?

Recommendation Letters. Most graduate schools require 3 letters of recommendation. However, you should double-check how many each school requires, and do NOT send more than asked for. Sending too many letters or information not requested by the school, can actually HURT your candidacy.

How many recommendation letters do you need for Ivy League schools?

With the importance they place on the individual, the letters of recommendation play a crucial role in applications. Almost all universities will ask for one or two letters of recommendation, but you will usually have to provide three for an Ivy League application.

What is a strong letter of recommendation?

A great letter will focus on your accomplishments, contributions, motivation, attitude, reliability, consistency, and other such skills. It is crucial to ensure that the person providing the recommendation knows you well and has a favorable opinion of your capability.

Is it bad to send too many letters of recommendation?

We at CollegeVine recommend against ever sending more than one additional letter of recommendation, for a total of 4 recommendations (one counselor, two teachers, and one additional letter), but if you're confident that one additional letter would make a substantial positive contribution to your application, go for it!

Is it bad to reuse a letter of recommendation?

Can I Reuse Letters of Recommendation Multiple Times? Definitely! Reusing one teacher's recommendation for multiple colleges can save you much time and is an intelligent way to handle the process.

Is a week enough time for a letter of recommendation?

ASK WELL IN ADVANCE of the deadline.

The amount of lead time a faculty member needs depends on how elaborate the recommendation needs to be. A short recommendation done on a pre-made form doesn't take as long as a letter to graduate schools. Give 2 weeks at minimum, or 4-6 weeks for a longer letter.

How many recommendation letters should I send to Harvard?

Who Should Write Your Letters of Recommendation for Harvard? Harvard requires two letters of recommendation from teachers and one from your school counselor. You probably don't have much choice with the counselor recommendation, since most students have the same counselor throughout their four years of high school.

How many letters of recommendation does Harvard allow?

While we accept three letters, the third is truly optional. From the perspective of the Admissions Committee, quality goes farther than quantity. Carefully select two recommenders who know you well and will speak to your abilities and accomplishments.

How many letters of recommendation do you need for Cornell?

Does Cornell require letters of recommendation? First-year applicants must submit two teacher recommendations. In addition, Cornell requires a written statement from your school counselor.