Letter of Rec from Alum?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Notre Dame
1

<p>Hey, I was just wondering how much impact a letter of rec from an alum would have on the adcom. My teacher attended the university and graduated with a triple major (apparently one of the one hundred students in its history that has done so), and he is still attending as a grad student. He told me that he knows people in admissions and the "higher-ups" and that he will "pull out the big guns and heavy artillery" to help me get in, haha. </p>

<p>Not to mention, I am also a very good student (4.0 GPA, most rigorous classes, leadership position of seven clubs, Scholar Athlete Award for Cross Country, 4 years of work experience, over 500 hours of service [even won an award and was given an all-expense paid trip to Washington, DC to meet my state's senators]), so I won't completely depend on him. However, I'm worried that my tests scores are too low for the university (28 ACT but I surprisingly scored a 35 on reading) & (2000 SAT but will retake)... So essentially what I'm asking is, do you think his word will have a major influence and will it make up for the crappy scores? Btw, you can also consider this is a "chance me" post :)</p>

2

<p>As the letter is coming from a teacher, I don’t see that it will hurt you at all, and may help. Your EC’s are excellent and the teacher can vouch for your academics in the context of your school. I would retake ACT if there is time and report only if an improvement. Never underestimate the impact a reference from someone known to the university, especially a teacher, can have especially if you are on the edge for any reason. Could be the thing that pushes you to acceptance. You need to know that you did everything in your power to be accepted - you don’t want to wonder forever if there was something more you could have done.</p>