<p>I had a question regarding outside letters of recommendation when applying. A Colgate alum I know offered to write me a letter recommending me to admissions. Would this help me, possibly hurt me, or neither?</p>
<p>It most likely cant hurt you unless he goes behind your back and says things like you arent going to help the college and what not, but for the most part it is very helpful to you.</p>
<p>It seems to me that any Colgate alumnus or alumna who offers to write a letter for you has an interest in assisting you gain entry to Colgate. It’s as simple as that. And to take advantage of this opportunity you may want to discuss what Colgate offers and how you think you can add to its diverse community and benefit from its academic programs. No doubt you are on this track already!</p>
<p>Colgate alumni often love to talk about what their experience meant to them at the time and after graduation in terms of connectedness. If you have visited the campus and find its size and its rural and idyllic setting to your liking then you will be able to appreciate the enthusiasm you may hear. The colgate.edu website is a good interim substitute until you tour the campus and speak with professors, staff and students.</p>
<p>Good luck with your applications and by all means write a short thank you note when that recommendation letter is sent.</p>
<p>Thanks guys. Just visited campus, it’s great. I was just concerned that it might be seen as the equivalent of “name-dropping” to adcoms. I know he won’t do anything to hurt me. So I guess I’ll ask him to write it. Thanks again!</p>