<p>Hey CC! This is my first time posting...
I'm eagerly awaiting my EE from Wellesley. As the notification date approaches, I've been thinking a lot about my application. Specifically, I want to know how much alumni letters of recommendation help. My family is friends with an very well-known alumna. I don't want to give her name here, but she's very influential, is on Wellesley's board, and has taught as a visiting professor at Wellesley's Madeleine Albright Institute. She was kind enough to write me a letter of recommendation. Considering how much emphasis Wellesley places on alumni relationships, how much influence will this rec hold with their decision?
Thanks!</p>
<p>Recs from alums are only valuable if they can attest to who you are. Have you worked part time for/with this person? Did you work with them on a school project or in an extracurricular activity? </p>
<p>Having a big name person say you’re a great girl doesn’t hold much weight. I’d only send it in if it can help add something to your application. If you think having a name added on to your app will help, it probably won’t. I’ve known professors’ kids who have been rejected. People get into Wellesley on their own merit, not that of others.</p>