Princeton's Optional Recommendation Policy (?)

Colleges & Universities Princeton University
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<p>The [admission</a> FAQ](<a href=“http://www.princeton.edu/admission/applyingforadmission/faq/letters_of_recommendation/]admission”>http://www.princeton.edu/admission/applyingforadmission/faq/letters_of_recommendation/) implies that Princeton would accept an optional letter of recommendation.</p>

<p>Then it directs you to [Learn more about what to include in your admission application](<a href=“http://www.princeton.edu/admission/applyingforadmission/checklist/”>http://www.princeton.edu/admission/applyingforadmission/checklist/&lt;/a&gt;) and makes no reference of a third recommendation as an optional supplement.</p>

<p>I’ve [searched</a> the threads](<a href=“princeton optional recommendation - Google Search”>princeton optional recommendation - Google Search) quite a bit and it seems that back when Princeton offered a separate application they included an “optional reference form”. Now that they are common app only, there’s no hint at all on whether they’ll even accept an optional recommendation, or how to send one.</p>

<p>I was wondering how any alumni/current applicants have handled this. I’ve asked a rec from a research mentor but I have no idea how to submit it.</p>

<p>If anyone is submitting an optional recommendation to any of the other Ivy Leagues, I would appreciate their input as well.</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

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<p>You will not get penalized for too many letters of recommendation if each one sheds new light on your character. It takes 5 minutes for them to read one. Send 7 letters of recs if you have 7 strong recommenders who have different things to say about you.</p>

<p>I for one would not have gotten into Princeton without the letter from my research mentor.</p>

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<p>Thanks for the reply. </p>

<p>My question was “how” I should submit an optional reference, since there’s no form or anything anywhere. How did you submit yours when you applied?</p>

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<p>Snail mail would work fine. My son will submit his arts supplement with arts recommendation and extra recommendation, all by snail mail. Just put your common app. number on it (or so I’ve been told that this is a good thing to do).</p>

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<p>I’ve emailed Princeton’s Undergraduate Office. Here’s their reply for anyone wondering:</p>

<p>“Optional references may be sent in, but they are not a required part of the application. They may be submitted electronically if that is possible through the Common Application website or mailed directly to our office.”</p>

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<p>randombetch,</p>

<p>Should the snail mail recommendations be sent in sealed envelopes or does it matter?</p>