<p>I know that name-dropping recommendations are, generally, an application faux pas. But how about if it's for a specific program sponsored by that person? </p>
<p>To expand a bit - I have interned at a small company for the past couple years. The chairman of the company is a bigshot who is involved with a bunch of related companies, and is also sponsor of a program within a college that I am applying to. No, he's never seen me in his life or heard of me, but if my boss can somehow get a recommendation from him, do you think in this case it might be helpful? </p>
<p>Because obviously, since he doesn't know me in the slightest, it will purely just be to put his name there...but I figure, it's his own program...in this case I feel like name dropping would be helpful, not hurtful? Thoughts?</p>
<p>Your best bet is a recommendation from someone who knows you well enough to talk about you in detail, and enthusiastically. That kind of rec makes much more of an impression than a generic, fill-in-the-blank type of rec.</p>
<p>yeah, I already have those - 2 strong teachers, one strong supplementary from my sci re mentor, and I'm thinking of adding this for supplementary but...guess not? bleh</p>
<p>lol, um I know this is sketchy and prolly unethical (i don't judge this)</p>
<p>but i know its quite common for someone to sign a rec they did not write...so maybe if your boss wrote it and got the chairman to sign it...then obviously colleges would think the chairman knew u and that would be quite impressive</p>
<p>a2n is really not a good idea. If it every gets found out by the person whose name was forged, it can be a big mess, legally. As for the OP, recs from people who don't know you are not worth anything.</p>
<p>to T26E4, personally i THINK it is cuz who am i to declare that it actually is?</p>
<p>its like asking if abortion is ethical. some ppl think so. some ppl think not.</p>
<p>and if you think my suggestion is outrageous...i know a couple of people who have done it (not for college but for job recs) so...take it for what it is</p>
<p>but yes, I personally think it is wrong and should not be done.</p>
<p>a2n - most things that are illegal are also unethical... with a few exceptions :) This one is not a judgement call. Fraud is both unethical and illegal.</p>
<p>Who are you to declare that it actually is? Unless you're suggesting that individuals do not have the right to determine unethical behavior, you are precisely the one to declare it unethical.</p>