<p>This might be sort of out there, but I am currently in the process of getting a recommendation letter from a Nobel Prize winner ( I don't want to say who). I have worked with him over the summers in his programs and I am very passionate about the programs.I have gotten to know him personally very well.I asked him for a recommendation letter and he said yes. Now, if I was the perfect student with a 4.0 GPA and a 2500 SAT, I wouldn't hesitate to submit this recommendation. However, I am not the most perfect student, not even by College Confidential terms (I have had extenuating circumstances effecting this).My questions are that if it is a good idea to submit this recommendation? Will colleges think its fishy? I know people lie out there and I don't want to take any risks. Also, will this give me an edge?</p>
<p>Yes, get this letter. I’m not sure why you are hesitating. It will give the colleges better insight into you personally, what you did over the summers, etc. I’m not sure about an “edge”, but definitely a good rec, so why not?</p>
<p>If the person knows you personally and you have worked with him in a meaningful manner, I don’t see why not. Whenever I hear people ask about supplemental recommendations, my first question to them is: do you know the person personally enough that they could write a good rec? The second is it relevant to your application? If both those are affirmative, then I’d go ahead with it. </p>
<p>If you are concerned about other people questioning its legitimacy, you could always ask the recommender to include some contact information on there if they had any additional questions. I’ve seen students with amazing ECs but not necessarily great SAT scorers or GPAs, but colleges generally take students for their word</p>
<p>I am hesitating because when I do send the letter to the college the picture might not add up. I am worried about this.</p>
<p>shawnspencer, do you think that it will give me an edge? And also what do you mean by “if it is relevant to my application” ?</p>
<p>If you have excelled in something you are passionate about that can only be a plus and hopefully that passion will shine through on your application.</p>
<p>Like for instance some people get supplemental recommendations from their neighbor, pastor, soccer coach, or alumni/former admissions officer/admissions counselor because they think it might help their application. (In most cases it doesn’t) While they might know you on varying degrees, if not relevant in the academic setting or the EC setting that you spend a great deal of time with, I would not include it.</p>
<p>It sounds like the programs are something you are passionate about, which I assume it is something related to who you are as a person or your academic studies in the future. If that is the case, it is more relevant than the types of people listed above. Again, if you think colleges have any reason to question it, ask them to include their contact information if you think they know you well enough to recall you if contacted.</p>
<p>Most colleges operate under the honors system and assume that everything you submit is legitimate. IIndeed, you do have to sign off on a commonapp waiver stating so). While I imagine this could be a slight bump, it all comes down to how the recommendeder writes the letter and in what capacity did you interact with him.</p>
<p>shawnspencer. Thanks, that was what I was worrying about, I will make sure to put in the contact info. I would think however that getting a recommendation letter from a Nobel Prize winner would be more than a slight bump though?</p>
<p>Just a letter from a NP winner isn’t a bump. Eg, if this guy was your neighbor or you met him at some function, it wouldn’t necessarily make any sense, no matter how accomplished he is. </p>
<p>BUT, we’re assuming the work you did is relevant and this letter will attest to the value of what you did, your attitude, how you take on a challenge and meet requirements, etc, right? You’ve worked for him over time, presumably you held some valid responsibilities, right? That’s the difference. In your specific case, it could be a nice extra. No harm done. </p>
<p>lookingforward, Yes I did work with him over a long time. I was just wondering if this would be a bump because I sort of need one.</p>
<p>As another member had stated earlier, the content of the recommendation letter is very important. If the NP winner indicates your work and passion are impressive, that’s a major coup on your behalf, then for sure, universities would love to read a letter like that. The concern would be that if the letter implies the nobel winner barely knows you and is doing this as a favor for say your parents, it could easily come off as an attempt to disingenuously sell yourself as something you’re not. However, in general, a letter from someone as well regarded as a nobel winner would look great on anyone’s resume. Congrats!</p>
<p>miyaa17, Yes I have gotten to know him very well over the past two years. While the initial reason I got to meet him in the first place was because of family connections, I worked and participated in his program and known him very well. Thanks!</p>
<p>That sounds perfect! Having him write your recommendation letter will be a benefit for you. Good Luck! </p>
<p>I am not always the fan of the “extra” recommendation letter, but in this case I am. I would go ahead and do it given what you have said.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone for all your help! I will definitely be getting and submitting this letter.</p>