Some time back, well certainly I knew my application in one of the IVY league would be declined, YET, I thought to apply for a certain program. As I was going through the requirements, there were three recommendations needed. So, I honestly asked them that: would one recommendation be acceptable, as only that many I can arrange! I received a genuine response in the email that no exceptions could be considered. I never applied further, but, I had few reservations about it: