<p>I am interning at a non-profit now, and a Harvard Law Professor works with me. He knows me well, and I am assuming he will write me a killer app.</p>
<p>Thus, will that increase my chances for admission at Harvard College?</p>
<p>Will that look bad i.e. trying to suck up? Or good?</p>
<p>Heeeelp me!</p>
<p>If he knows you well and writes a good rec, it will help. At Harvard, as at most places, letters from insiders tend to carry a bit more credibility, particularly if it’s from someone known to the admissions officers.</p>
<p>As long as you are not trying to suck up (i.e. if it’s obvious to him that’s all you are doing, it won’t be a good thing). If, however, he thinks you do an awesome job and would be a great student for Harvard, then he will say so in his letter. I’d think that would carry some weight in terms of a credible letter of recommendation. No guarantee, but it probably would help.</p>
<p>If he weren’t a Harvard professor and you would still want a rec from him, then go for it. Otherwise don’t.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t recommend. I knew a kid with incredible stats (2400, national recognition) who had letters of rec from professors at MIT and Princeton. He ended up applying to HYPSM, and got rejected only by MIT and Princeton - the two colleges he received recommendations from professors!</p>
<p>^ And of course SheetGetkilled’s logic is flawless… sheesh.</p>
<p>To the OP: if the rec letter contains anecdotes, it may be useful as a supplemental rec. It doesn’t stand in for rec letters from actual HS teachers however.</p>