<p>Hello,</p>
<p>Long story short, my father knows a billionaire, who gives a good amount of $$$ to Harvard each year and their family has sent a few kids there as well. They offered to write me a recommendation letter for Harvard (and Columbia) when I apply. </p>
<p>Is this worth it, or would this be frowned upon?</p>
<p>Recommendations should be from people that know you well (how well does he know you? Academically and as a person). Then again connections can get you a long way. </p>
<p>That's a very interesting situation. Good luck with your decision.</p>
<p>it is only legit if he likes pie</p>
<p>blueberry, heated and with vanilla ice cream too</p>
<p>I think you should, there's no harm of course.</p>
<p>I wouldn't really be able to stomach that personally, but if you feel that it's right I don't see it hurting you.</p>
<p>i agree with omg and shala.</p>
<p>I thought it was gonna be Warren Buffet :O lolol</p>
<p>If he knows you well, yes. If not, no. =]</p>
<p>It's like a movie, man.</p>
<p>Is this a joke?
Please, somebody help these poor kids who think that to get into Harvard they need a letter signed by Warrent Buffet or Donald Trump. THIS IS SO STUPID that sometimes I understand why Harvard rejects 93% of their applicants!</p>
<p>I would do it. Top colleges DO favors for people who give them big amounts of $$$ each year, including accepting a friend's kid. The Development Office puts in a word to the Admissions Office. It happens all the time. It's unfair but it's just part of life. </p>
<p>When these letters don't matter is when the person is famous/alum but doesn't give anything back to the university. In this instance, though, that is not the case.</p>
<p>^ GC, I think that you're partially right.</p>
<p>There are people in my area who gave a lot to a top school, and obviously the kids got in. But this alumnus is already giving. How convincing of a case can he make for you? Are his future contributions tied to you getting in? Does he know you at all? I mean, if he's like "he's a good boy, you should accept him," then it won't be too convincing. If they reject you, does he suddenly stop donating?</p>
<p>I say no, because i dont want you to improve your chances against mine lulz.</p>
<p>but seriously, if he knows you fairly well, it doesnt hurt to send another one in, esp from a guy like that!</p>
<p>^ i guess it depends on how much the person knows you as an applicant. if i donated a lot of money to a school, but the school wouldn't take a recommendation from me seriously, i would be kind of offended. if i didn't know the kid well, however, i guess i wouldn't really care as much as if I did. also, it depends on how much Harvard values my sponsorship =p</p>