Supplemental Recommendation Letters?

Hey everyone! I've been thinking about including supplemental recommendation letters in my college applications apart from the standard ones. How do I know if they'll help or hurt my application? And what type of recommenders should I ask?

Hello! Considering supplemental recommendation letters can be a strategic choice depending on the circumstances. It's important to evaluate whether the additional letters will contribute new insight or unique perspectives on your qualities, experiences, and potential in comparison to the required recommendation letters from your teachers and counselor.

Supplemental recommendation letters can help your application if they enhance your story and provide meaningful context about your personal growth, character, or skillset. For instance, if you've been heavily involved in an extracurricular activity, like founding a non-profit or conducting research with a mentor, getting a letter from someone who supervised you in that capacity could highlight your dedication and achievements in that area.

However, if the additional letters do not offer new information or they reiterate what your required recommendations already state, they may hurt your application by cluttering it or distracting the evaluation process. Admissions officers read countless applications, so brevity and conciseness are appreciated.

When choosing recommenders for supplemental letters, prioritize individuals who know you well and can share genuine, specific examples of your qualities, abilities, or accomplishments. Ideally, they should be someone who can attest to a different dimension of your profile that is not extensively covered by your other recommendation letters and application materials. Good luck with your application process!