There is a lot of controversy regarding recommendations from faculty members and whether they are harmful or not; For that reason, as I am working on my college applications, I had a question.
Last year, I got in touch with a professor at Brown University who was interested in my work in entrepreneurship. I got an opportunity to work in Brown University this summer with him on a research paper (which I designed, conducted, and researched while he provided feedback). He liked my work a lot and allowed me to help him with another research paper he was working on in which I added substantial contributions. Additionally, I worked with him on creating a database for his undergrad students and helped create some course content for the classes he teaches.
The professor has been teaching at Brown for over 50 years, has an award in the school named after him, and has a building named after him as well. He is considered one of the most respected teachers in the entire university. He offered to write me a letter of recommendation since he was impressed with my work and said that I brought in a lot of contribution.
How much weight would he carry if he were to carry any at all? I know that recommendations from faculty members who don’t actually know or have worked with students is harmful, but I feel like this is not my case.
I am asking this question because I am debating if I should apply to Brown ED or RD. Brown is my #1 choice but my gpa is a 3.86 and after first semester of senior year it will go up to a 3.88 so applying Brown RD will give me higher stats (even if not by a lot). Also ED applicants have higher stats on average.
In your case, it will definitely help. The professor knows you, has worked with you, and made the offer to write the letter. If Brown is your first choice, I recommend applying ED and submitting this letter of recommendation. Best of luck!
The difference between 3.86 and 3.88 is not going to change anything at all (& most likely won’t even be noticed).
LoRs from anybody who doesn’t actually know you/your work is a bad idea, particularly when it looks as if you are simply trading on somebody else’s reputation/fame, but ‘harmful’ seems to be over-egging it. In the case of this particular person, imo it would be in the ‘won’t hurt/could help a little’ category. He is a much-loved prof, but it will only be a small piece of the application puzzle. LoRs from your teachers (as they know your academic work best) and GC (as they know how you fit into your school world best) are typically given the most weight.
ps, technically, it is only the Commons area of the new building that is named after him, not the whole building…
pss, the plural of ‘media’ is ‘media’, not ‘medias’.
He offered to write a letter so he obviously thinks you are deserving and that it will help your application. I think people are underestimating the potential impact.
Who better to comment on fit then the aforementioned faculty member.
Good luck and congratulations on apparently being an impressive candidate.
@Nocreativity1, I have seen more than a few students with similar experiences at top universities who were subsequently denied admission. Moreover, most of the schools who talk directly about LoRs from outside of school are explicit that they are not weighed as heavily as those from school. Hence, my opinion that it is at best a tip, not a game changer, and the rest of the app has to deliver as well. I don’t think that I am underestimating the potential impact- but I hope that I am helping the OP to not overestimate it either.
collegemom317 not saying it is a golden ticket just that it is of value. Brown specifically encourages incremental letters of recommendation be submitted directly to addmisions.
For a qualified candidate like the OP it will serve to reinforce the broader application narrative with first hand knowledge from a trusted source. The letter can provide insight into intellectual curiosity, work ethic and “fit”.
I am speaking from first hand experience while on I95 passing New Haven on my way to campus. I don’t think my sons similar letter was a game changer but I do know the result.
We are all entitled to a view and I respect yours. FYI With a name like Bruno14 I trust your opinion!!
Apologies and quibble accepted. I meant to suggest encourage extra letters under circumstances like this. Unique perspective of a Brown “lifer” with working knowledge.
Not the my brother in law knows a guy who will write a letter based on a quick call. Love those.
MODERATOR’S NOTE:
The OP is asking a valid question. Let’s dispense with the gag responses please. Oh, and while we’re on the subject of pet peeves, and it’s “Vatican stationery;” “stationary” has a totally different meaning.
thank you all for the response, I really appreciate them! Not sure if I still have clarity though since there seems to be some disagreement, haha. Appreciate your time!
I would absolutely submit it. No adcom is going to ding you for having their own faculty write a LOR for you plus it could help a little especially if you are on the bubble.
@collegemom3717 “I have seen more than a few students with similar experiences at top universities who were subsequently denied admission”. They were denied in spite of the LOR not because of the letter. There is no causal relationship here.
Apply early and use the letter if Brown is your number 1. The minimal increase in gpa isn’t worth delaying. Better to show your commitment by applying early. If Brown wants to see more grades from you, they will defer you.
Yes, the letter from a distinguished faculty member is extremely helpful. And I agree with others that you should apply ED for the best chance of admission. Good luck!
