Can I submit additional recommendation letters beyond the required amount?

Hello everyone! I'm a junior who's starting to think about recommendation letters for college applications. If a college requires two letters, can I submit more than that if I have additional teachers or mentors who can speak to my strengths? Would this help or hurt my chances of admission? Thanks so much for your help!

Hello! It's great that you're already thinking about recommendation letters for your college applications. In general, it's best to follow the specific guidelines that each college provides regarding the number of recommendation letters they require. If a college asks for two letters, they usually expect only two. However, there are some exceptions - if you have an additional letter that you believe would provide a unique and significant perspective on your strengths and accomplishments, it might be worth including. Keep in mind that admissions officers have to read through a large number of applications, so you don't want to overwhelm them with too much information. It's important to choose your recommenders wisely and make sure they can speak to different aspects of your personality and achievements. I would recommend reaching out to the college admissions offices and asking them directly about their policies on additional recommendation letters. They can provide you with the best guidance on whether or not to submit more than the required amount. Good luck with your applications!