<p>I was just curious, how much would a recommendation from a prominent alumnus assist? </p>
<p>I have one ready, but I will not release the name due to privacy, but he/she is a big player.</p>
<p>It depends on what context the alumni is writing about you. If all the alumni is saying is that I have known carnegie for x number of years, (s/he is my neice, nephew, godchild, neighbor, mows tha lawn and , s/he's a nice kid, blah, blah, blah it really adds nothing (and the school does see their share of these types of recommendations). </p>
<p>IF the prominent alumni was your parent, then you would be a legacy/developmental admit.</p>
<p>However, if the prominient alumni was a teacher, employer, coach, mentor who can add something of more depth than it *may * help but it won't make up for deficiences in a students record.</p>
<p>If the alumnus is a Trustee or another big name (for instance Hank Paulson or Jeff Immelt), it may help, but only if they know you personally and well.</p>
<p>However, as Sybbie says, it will not make up for other deficiencies.</p>
<p>What if he is a US Member of Congress and is my employer?</p>