Here's why:
* Specific Program/Major: Colleges want to see how the recommender views your fit for *their* specific program. A generic letter won't highlight the aspects of your qualifications most relevant to that particular college and its offerings.
* Different Application Essay Prompts: Your essays likely address different questions for each college, and a strong recommendation should directly address and support what you've written in your essays. A reused letter may not align with the specific themes and points you've raised in each application.
* Different Institutional Priorities: Colleges have different values and priorities. A letter that emphasizes leadership at one might not be as effective at another that prioritizes research experience.
* Ethical Considerations: Some recommenders might explicitly state their letter is for a *specific* institution. Submitting it elsewhere could be considered unethical, even if unintentional.
It's much better to request separate letters of recommendation from your recommenders for each college. While this means more work for your recommenders, it significantly increases your chances of acceptance by allowing them to tailor their recommendation to each college’s unique needs and showcasing your suitability for each institution individually. Make sure you give your recommenders ample time and all the necessary information for each application.