<p>My dad's coworker is a Cornell grad, and he has known me well for a few years. He's offered to write a letter of recommendation to bolster my Cornell application. Would it help to send this letter? Does it help to identify with a grad like that, or would it come off as snobbish?</p>
<p>Cornell LOVES to see ties to the community! As long as he writes something that really tells about why you would add to the Cornell community, I think it would be perfect! Especially because he knows what the Cornell community is like! I’m having my aunt do the same thing for me.</p>
<p>Go for it! They like to see you are committed to the Cornell community!</p>
<p>This sounds more like a personal letter of reference. I wouldn’t use it unless he’s seen you in some official capacity (such as if he’s the director of a place you volunteer at or he’s your teacher in a class). Generally, letters from friends, relatives that can only say, “Well, I’ve known Timmy for quite a few years and he’s a good boy!” are useless.</p>
<p>That’s what I was thinking. I mean, unless it really brings something new and insightful to my app, it seems like it would just be a connection that may or may not have any use.</p>
<p>Jeckert:</p>
<p>Based on the stats you’ve posted over in “College Admissions”, you’re a strong candidate with or without the letter.</p>
<p>How well does the co-worker know you? If, for example, he knows something that might not come through on your application, it can help.</p>
<p>If the co-worker is a major donor to Cornell – it can help alot. If the co-worker is a minor donor, it might help a little.</p>
<p>Otherwise – it won’t hurt, but probably won’t make much of a difference.</p>