<p>Hi! I will begin to apply to colleges very soon and one of my top choices is Furman. I have pretty good grades and I am heavily involved in extracurriculars. I was wondering if a letter of recommendation from an Alumni of Furman would help me? My best friend's parents are both alumni. They have known me for several years and I have worked in several different volunteer organizations with them as well as 4-H. Also would a letter from my state school superintendent help? I have worked on several different levels with him. I have also been a member of his high school advisory council. Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>Colleges, even those that allow for additional recommendations, want to hear from teachers who have recently taught you in an academic subject because they are interested in your scholastic potential. They want to know if you’re a student that constantly has their hands raised and lead classroom discussions or if you’re a shy person who doesn’t say much, but that you write better than anyone they’ve ever taught. </p>
<p>Colleges sometimes want to hear from an adult in a supervisory capacity – someone like a your boss, or research mentor, who can attest to your work ethic and diligence. In your case, depending upon how much work you did for them, and the quality of that work, a letter from an alumni and school superintendent who can attest to your work habits might be helpful.</p>
<p>On the other hand, sending in a recommendation from an alumni or government leader who has not taught or supervised you in any capacity just screams “I’m privileged. I know people high enough up in the food chain to send in a letter of support.” And that’s not helpful to colleges because most of them basically say “I’ve known Ezea since he was a little kid. He’s from a wonderful family and you should admit him.” What is an academic institution supposed to do with that kind of letter?</p>
<p>@gibby is completely right. You need letters from someone who at least has seen you in an academic capacity. Also, schools don’t really like LOR from govt officials or celebrities. More often than not, they are very vague. You shouldn’t look at someone title when asking for LOR. You should look at who knows you the best. Also, letters from two Furman alum aren’t really gonna help you when applying to other schools unless you anticipate on asking 5-6 people for LOR, which is ridiculous. Stick to your two teachers and if you really feel like having another will speak towards what you are able to do in a different light, then do it.</p>