Letters of Recommendation

It all depends. I know some people who included letters of recommendation even though the school did not require it. I suppose that might have given them an edge since they got accepted. I also know of one school in my area that explicitly states that if they don't require a certain document DO NOT INCLUDE IT. It'd actually disqualify you as an applicant if you did.

While that one specific school may not require letters of recommendation, you may have the need for them at other programs. So it wouldn't hurt to have them at the ready for when you need them. If you don't need them, you don't use them!

One problem with obtaining those letters is that one frequently loses track of those coworkers and supervisors due to relocation, job changes, etc. So having something already avail is a plus.

It's also important to note that each school has a different way of completing your letters of recommendation. I applied to 3 schools last fall, and each school has their own form to fill out. Only one of the schools I applied to was an actual written letter. The rest of the letters of recommendation was basically a form you had to print out from the school website and have the individual fill it out by either answering short questions or checking off items about the candidate.

My school did not require them but I still sent in 5: three academic, one personal & one professional. I made sure that the person writing it was the one to send it in & that I did not see/read them (schools prefer that). My school was very impressed that I took the time to do this, so they took the time to read them. I have been accepted & I think it is because the recommendations added another side to me. Not saying your school will necessarily open them, but it does not hurt.