<p>My dad's business partner is an alum from a HYPS-level school, and he's offered to write me a letter. I expect it'll be pretty good and not just a form letter because it was his idea to write it, not mine. I know that traditionally, alumni connections only help the children of said alumni, but he doesn't have any children and has known me since I was born. He's making a "pretty big" donation this year (I don't know how big but this is coming from a former-banker-turned-hedge-fund-manager) and judging from other threads on CC, there should be some contact for him at the school but he doesn't seem to know who/what exactly to say; does anyone have experience with letters from alums?</p>
<p>We were told over and over that letters from “friends” and “alums” would not be viewed as positive by most HS schools. Now… a well-placed alum who makes a phone call to someone they know in the school happens all of the time… but if your dad’s partner doesn’t even know who he would send the letter to or what to say, I am not sure this would actually help you.</p>
<p>But… otherwise, maybe have the alum write the letter and have him give it to your guidance counselor. Your guidance counselor, we were told, is the best person to get any “extra” information to your college(s) and into your application package.</p>
<p>One other option is within your Common App for that school, “invite” him as an “other” recommender and then he can upload his rec that way. But then you would change the recommender for other schools.</p>
<p>Direct the friend to speak to the college’s Development department. I highly doubt that unless it’s a high seven figure amount, anything can come of this. But good luck nonetheless</p>
<p>I don’t know the exact amount, but it’s probably getting up there - the hedge fund’s had a very good year and from what I understand, he feels strongly about giving to his alma mater. As he doesn’t have kids of his own, he doesn’t know where to start for writing a letter about me simply because he doesn’t have much exposure to the college process</p>
<p>“Direct the friend to speak to the college’s Development department.”</p>
<p>The Development Dept is tasked to solicit and help donors plan giving. They will LEAP at the telephone call from your family friend.</p>
<p>Think about something for a minute. College’s ask for two recommendations from teachers that have recently taught you in class. They do so because they want to hear about your potential as a scholar. They want to know if you raise your hand and dynamically lead classroom discussions. They want to know about your math skills and writing skills. In comparison, what might your richy-rich family friend say? “I have known Brindle since she was born. She’s a wonderful person, comes from a fine family and you should admit her because I give you lots of money every year.” That kind of letter doesn’t really say much to an Admissions Committee other than you have well placed friends. As T26E4 suggested, your family friend should telephone someone in the Development Office and speak with them. If your family friend is giving lots of money to his alma matter, your friend has probably met the president of the university and could pick up the phone and “talk you up” to the HYP level-college president, so that the president could then contact Admissions on your behalf. That would seem to be the smartest play and the way to go. A letter, no matter how well-impassioned, is not going to do it.</p>
<p>I did a few things for my alma mater (not giving large amount of money). Someone in development did contact me to let me know that if my kid(s) wanted to apply to the school to contact them. My brother, a very active alum at his school, did contact the development office on my kid’s behalf. D1 got a special guided tour and interview on campus. I think OP could ask this family friend to contact the development office and see if there is anything they could do for OP. I don’t think a recommendation would be necessary.</p>
<p>I agree with all above. A conversation with someone on the admin/development side is more likely to make a difference than a letter to admissions. A follow up in writing is certainly appropriate, but a well placed phone call to the head of development or a high level administrator is the right place to start.</p>
<p>Thanks for all your responses! It sounds like a phone call is the best way to go and I’ll be sure to convey this info back to him.</p>