4) Letters of Rec

When you begin to request letters of recommendation, it is best to ask for one or two more than you will actually be needing. Make a list of all of the teachers, community leaders, religious leaders, former business associates, or professionals with whom you have worked and know you well enough to write you a strong letter. Then narrow the list down to those you think would be capable of writing you a great letter.

If you need two letters, then you should ask four people. If you need three, then I would ask for five. This way, if one of them has something come up and they find that they are unable to complete your letter or get it back to you, then you have a cushion. Also, it allows you an option to use the letters that you think are better. If you don't really care for one of them, then you don't have to use it because you have another on hand for such an occasion.

It's also nice to have someone write a nice letter about you ;)