<p>My uncle asked me today where i was applying and i told him that my number one choice is johns hopkins, and he asked me if it would make a difference if his buddy who is a JHU grad wrote me a rec letter. I had completely forgot that he went to school there, but he knows me pretty well. Would JHU take any weight to this letter from a non-relative JHU alumni? I need to know so that i can ask him to start writing me one because he's a very busy guy so the sooner i let him know the better. Thanks.</p>
<p>“but he knows me pretty well.” </p>
<p>How well? Has he overseen your research/classroom/employment? Has he supervised you in some meaningful activity? What anecdote about you as a learner/leader/valued member of the community can he share from personal experience?</p>
<p>Or will he likely say: "X is a great person. He’s got great character, drive & determination. He’d be a great asset to JHU. "</p>
<p>Rule of thumb: It’s not about who writes your rec letter but what it contains.</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure a first year teacher, whom you really engaged, would be able to write a more cogent letter on your behalf than your uncle’s friend.</p>
<p>Generally, no.</p>
<p>@T26E4 it would basically be like the second example you gave. but i wouldn’t be using this as one of my recommendations. like i have two seperate teacher recs and a counselor rec, but if he wrote an additional letter to admissions would that help at all?</p>
<p>In my opinion, none whatsoever. </p>
<p>The purpose of rec letters is to learn something about you – not just the serendipity that you happen to know an alum.</p>