Hey,
I’m applying to Princeton, and I have an acquaintance from a while ago with one of their department heads. I know that he technically can’t influence the admission process, but would it realistically help me to shoot him an email?
you’d embarrass yourself. Really. Your transcript and your teacher recs are the two most vital parts of your app. You’d pull in this distant acquaintance who could say ZERO about your attributes as a student to be one of your two or three recommendations?
Simply a terrible idea.
No, a casual acquaintance from a while ago will not help you to get in. It sounds like this person could not give any meaningful evaluation or recommendation.
The posters above are being too harsh although I can understand since your question comes off as if you’re trying to benefit from some form of nepotism. I think if you worked with the department head in any research capacity (which you never clarified), then a recommendation may possibly give you an edge. All the best!