Top 50 University Policies on additional Letters of Recommendation

Here is the definitive guide and reference table for the Top 50 Universities regarding their policies on Additional Letters of Recommendation (often referred to as "Other" or "Optional" recommendations beyond the standard counselor and teacher evaluations) for the 2026–2027 application cycle.

Understanding Additional Recommendations on the Common App

• Common App Limit: The Common App allows you to invite "Other Recommenders" (such as mentors, employers, research supervisors, or coaches). However, each university sets its own strict limit on whether they will read or accept them.

• The "Add Value" Rule: Admissions offices universally emphasize that an additional recommendation should only be submitted if it provides a distinct, new perspective not already covered by your core academic teachers or counselor (e.g., an independent science research mentor or a supervisor from a major leadership project).

• How to Submit via Common App / Portal:

  1. Go to the "My Colleges" tab in your Common App account.

  2. Under the specific college's page, check their Recommenders and FERPA section to see if they allow "Other" recommendations (and what their maximum limit is).

  3. Invite the recommender under the "Invite Other Recommender" link, designate their recommender type (e.g., Mentor, Coach, Employer), and assign them specifically to the schools that accept them.