snomom

I know I have seen this on the board before but can't seem to find it now that I need the information. My question is if the college does not specifically ask for letters of recommendation do you send them anyway or is that a waste of time? My D is getting so stressed over these apps and I have to admit I am getting more confused as time goes on.

MichaelNKat

Remember to check both the admissions office page as well as the theater department page. It's unusual that letters of recommendation aren't required by at least one of those offices.

khsstitches

I agree with MichaelNKat. It is rare for letters of rec to NOT be required. In any event, our school sends a full packet regardless - the transcript, school profile, recommendations and advisor statement. I would think that most schools would, as it is easier to compile the packets in the same fashion for all students rather than sorting them individually. It can't hurt because even if by chance they aren't required, they will probably at the very least skim them, if not read them. Alumni rec's from interviews go separately.

ttmom

I think you should very carefully check both the theater/MT/artistic requirements against the school requirements for recommendation letters. Some theater departments only want ARTISTIC recs. and some schools, CCM in particular, will only read the FIRST rec. sent and discard the rest.. IT took some persuading to make sure my D's college office did NOT send letters to those schools that did not need/want the academic rec. letters. Some state schools discard them as well, so it is best to do it on a schoool by school basis. A friendly note and some cookies or something little helps to persuade the person in charge of the letters that this is a diifferent scenario than most! Good luck.

music_darling08

Even if a college doesn't REQUIRE letters of recommendation for admission, my counselor told me that it nevers hurts to send one anyway. I would say go for it!

llong39

I noticed for one school it asked you to not send extra recommendations. It said they would not be considered for admission. It is the only school I have come across so far to say this.

NotMamaRose

I think it varies school by school. I have read several admissions web sites and materials that specifically request people NOT send extra letters. While some people say it never hurts, I would think that it might hurt in some way because it shows that a kid did not follow instructions. Just a thought.

khsstitches

That would not be good at the school I work at...they will not differentiate! One year a student had a whole spread sheet of what colleges should get what stuff, and the counselor made an error....the student blamed her rejection on this and it was a huge deal. So now policy is that a standard packet goes. If the student has to do a portfolio or something extra, he/she mails it herself.