<p>So the investor at a company that I worked for who has also become sort of a family friend told me that he would be happy to write me a letter for stanford. He donated 8 figures there a few years ago. Do you think that it would help or hurt? I don't want it to look like I'm trying to pull strings (even though I sort of am), but at the same I think that it could really help, but I'm not sure? </p>
<p>What do you guys think? </p>
<p>If u were his child or grandchild, you’d be in. But since you’re not, probably the best that it’ll do for u is that if u don’t get admitted on your own merits, you’ll get an ostensible WL instead of an explicit rejection letter.</p>
<p>Admissions people get really annoyed by this stuff.</p>
<p>Not that much.</p>
<p>Think about it, what can he say about your academic capabilities or your ability to perform well at Stanford? Likely very little. Stanford is the type of school that is selective enough that it is really not going to matter</p>
<p>People like you annoy the hell outta me but if I were you, I’d do it. Anything to grab an edge that’s within moral boundaries is perfectly understandable. And a letter like this can only help you anyway 
Good luck.</p>
<p>lol is he Arrillaga? then they would never admit you.</p>
<p>All jokes aside, I really don’t think it would help. Unless you did research with him or interned or something, what could he say about you accomplishments and work ethic? Not much more than what any ordinary family friend could do. I would be afraid you would seem that you’re trying to “pull strings”, in your words, and since it also won’t increase your chances, I would avoid it.</p>
<p>The optional rec is usually used for arts teachers/mentors, summer program directors, distinguished professors that you have done research with, people you have interned for, or other coaches. It really should be reserved for someone who can really add a unique perspective to your application, or you risk annoying the admission officers- think about how much they have to read, they don’t want to read useless things also!</p>
<p>Oh man, I’m not sure what to do! Everyone here is really turning me off the idea, but he seems very enthusiastic about it! He seems to be very experienced in college admissions he does alumni interviews for another well known school, and I think he knows what will help. I’m leaning towards accepting the letter right now. </p>
<p>Definitely have him write a letter for you. Even if he cannot talk much about your academic credentials, it sounds like he is a person that the development office will listen to. It can only help and will not hurt. </p>
<p>Do it. In my eyes, I don’t see how it could harm your application. </p>
<p>@gtm1260. This is really a tough call in all honesty. This is the way I would break it down. If you have an outstanding highly competitive application with outstanding recommendations from your teachers and outstanding essays that could stand on its own…I would not submit this “extra” superfluous letter. Because it may detract from your outstanding application and “personal qualities…integrity”. On the other hand, if you have just a so-so application and accomplishments…I would definitely have the extra letter written on your behalf…since you will have nothing to lose and everything to gain. In the first scenario, the extra 'letter" can be taken the wrong way and be off-putting to “some” of the admissions staff/readers/officers (who all have their own personal biases and standards)…who may not necessarily see it in the most positive way…if you know what I mean…</p>
<p>…bottom line…you have to do what you feel is right and live with your decision and ultimate outcome…</p>
<p>Hope this helps. Good luck!</p>
<p>I agree with one of the posters above. What would this man be able to say about you or your academic qualities that your core class teachers cannot? It might be superfluous.</p>
<p>^^ On the other hand, they don’t want to upset a large patron, do they? Especially, when the potential for future gifts still exists. If you’re app is very competitive the letter may be the tip factor. I’d send it. </p>
<p>I don’t think that submitting the letter could hurt you at all. So, you might as well submit it.</p>
<p>Well Bill Gate’s daughter is a freshman here this year… so if he has a building named after him and he can actually say something about you besides generic facts, why not? </p>
<p>I knew a kid from a close HS who tried to pull strings like this. He didn’t make it in, even though he was a pretty stellar student. What I learned once I came here to Stanford is that the school really doesn’t care about your money, believe it or not. They know that people will try to get recommendations from “influential” individuals. Unless that “influential” individual is a close relative, it won’t give you any inherent benefit.</p>
<p>Here’s my breakdown of what your motivations should be when sending in supplementary recommendation:</p>
<p>Yes:
<p>No: