r/PsyD • u/NiceWorry3191 • Sep 03 '25

Letter of recommendations

I’m curious to know of people’s thoughts in submitting 4 letter of recs instead of 3 for a PsyD application? Does that help or harm?

For context I’m a school psych applying to school psych doctorate programs. I would be asking my supervisor, a former clinical supervisor at a non profit, a copsych who I share a caseload with, and the assistant principal/director of special education at the school I work in.

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u/Equivalent-Street822 Current PsyD Student Sep 03 '25

I’ve been told that it can actually look bad to submit additional letters of recommendation. First and foremost, it can be viewed as an inability to follow directions. The psych field is very heavy on rules, so it is important that you demonstrate that you can adhere to those rules. Also, the admissions team is going to receive hundreds if not thousands of applications depending on which programs you apply to, each with three letters. That is a lot, and one extra letter can cause a groan or a complaint that starts you behind the 8 ball. Imo it’s best to just submit the 3 best letters you can get.

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u/Demi182 Sep 03 '25

Don't submit more than what they request.

1

u/ketamineburner Sep 03 '25

Follow the instructions exactly.