I recently interned for a Member of the House of Representatives, and the Member seemed to really like me (then again most politicians seem to really like everyone) and offered to personally write me a letter of recommendation based off of what I did in the office. I was wondering if that is something I should include in my college applications, or if it would seem too pretentious. The school I want to apply to most is Princeton, if that helps. Also, should I include the letter of rec in scholarship applications? Thanks!
Yes. Do it. @legaleagle1
Will he/she personally write it? Or as in 99% of cases, it’ll be a staffer or a form letter already from the files? I’d say unless he/she personally oversaw several projects and can inject those anecdotes, you’re much better off having your job supervisor write one out for you. It’s not WHO writes the letter, it’s about WHAT it says about you. From what you describe (internship, “seemed to like me”) your personal interaction was limited. I highly recommend you not include this LOR to Princeton.
An enthusiastic 2nd year teacher, who can relate profound reflections on your character and memorable anecdotes is x5000 better than this Congress person’s possibly generic note. Remember, colleges know politicians write these all the time as part of their PR.
@T26E4 That makes sense. Unfortunately I got to know the MOC a whole lot better by currently serving on their campaign, yet House Ethics Rules prevent the Members from affixing official signatures to anything in conjunction to campaign work.
How about scholarships? Will it be good for scholarships who require letters of rec. I was thinking to do it for patriotic organizations like the American Legion.
Would it be better to get a staffer who over saw me to write about the time when I went above and beyond to prevent a constituent family from being deported? Or get the staffer to write it, and have the Member sign it?
Absolutely best to have the person who actually knows you and your work write the rec. Way too many people have famous friends for the simple fact of a famous name to be helpful. Colleges get a lot of people trying to impress their way in on the back of somebody else’s fame, wealth, or power and adcomms repeatedly warn against.