<p>For one of the reachish schools I'm applying to my Rec is going to be written by an alumni who's pretty recent, and was somewhat of a standout in a small school (bball captain, etc). Is this going to help me a lot more than a normal rec? (It should be a very good one as it is) ? Also would extra recs written by alumni I know be helpful?</p>
<p>Recs should be by people who can speak authoritatively about your academic performance/motivation and personal qualities. If this alum knows you well enough and can communicate this, then fine. But his/her recent association with the school -- that alone won't be any boost. It might even hurt you if the rec doesn't include what I just spoke about -- whereas your tried and true math or english teacher who can compare you with a career's worth of other students could really help you out.</p>
<p>The rec has been my history teacher (strong subject of mine) for two years,</p>