Recommenders - How many schools is too many?

Question

Hi All,

I'm going to be speaking with one of my potential recommenders soon and was wondering, for those who have been through the admissions process, how many schools did you ask each of your recommenders to write LORs for?

Thanks in advance.

Rubashov1 · Answer

I asked for a total of four schools spread over two rounds. All the same recommenders, except for that extra 3rd person that only HBS required.

I felt that I would've been asking too much if I had increased the number of schools, so it was tough for me to narrow down. Kellogg seemed especially painful for them.

tigerbeck · Answer

There is no right answer to this question, it depends upon who you have chosen and their dedication to helping you on this journey. One of my recommenders nominated himself as the ideal person and did 8 for me and was willing to do more. The other had issues with the technology and started to grumble after 4 so I had a backup person who I had already pre-approved early in the process to pick up his slack. I would always advise priming a third person incase someone drops the ball. Don't forget to keep them up to date on your progress and enthusiasm so they stay as juiced as possible and happy about doing this.

Becky

Becky

ra011y · Answer

Did the backup person take offense that he/she was the backup and not the main choice?

eskimoroll · Answer

I had my recommenders each do 5 schools. I gave them like 3-4 months of advance notice and a really thorough recommendation info packet (school profiles, recommender questions, my goals, accomplishments, etc.) to make it as easy on them as possible.

tigerbeck · Answer

No, actually everyone was grateful to have a safety net if they were a let down and the "pinch-writer" was glad to feel as if he was helping without actually having to do too much. I don't think anyone would be offended if you explain it to them. I doubt anyone would take it personal if you express that you have top choices like current bosses and key clients that are your A players and if they can't deliver then you ask B players like past bosses,EC beneficiaries or peers.

Becky

Recommenders - How many schools is too many?

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