<p>How much of a difference in admissions does it make if you have a rec letter or get a rec letter from an employer who graduated undergrad/grad from the U you are applying to?</p>
<p>Unless they are a big deal at the school in question, it makes no difference whatsoever, or it’s so small as to be immeasurable. If they’re a big donor or on the board, different story. Maybe.</p>
<p>What if they got their PhD in the same area I want to go into, and I worked for him?</p>
<p>See answer #2</p>
<p>I assume if they are a very recent grad + tons of recognition from the U, they’re a big deal…</p>
<p>You don’t get it. It’s not who writes the letter for you, it’s what is being written. </p>
<p>A 2nd year teacher from an obscure college, who enthusiastic writes about you and your accomplishments is 100X better than just some dude who coincidentally happens to have a diploma from one college you’re applying to. The rec letter is about YOU and not the writer. Please understand this.</p>
<p>Yes, of course. I’ve seen the rec letter this specific person wrote, and its phenomenal. I honestly did not know I did so much for this person or how this person thought so well of me (sorry for the arrogance), I was just asking does the writer’s qualification’s help for credibility etc…</p>
<p>Familiarity is a two way street. Say your letter writer is a famous recent graduate who has won fame and fortune for the university, but he stole his brilliant idea from his roommate, who just now happens to be working in the admissions office because he can’t get a job anywhere else because the fabulous letter writer stole his idea, and he’s now reading your admissions packet. At every other school, he’s just going to be another anonymous letter writer, but at this one, he’s recognized as your reader’s least favorite person in the world.</p>
<p>Stop looking for an edge, there aren’t any sure things. Even fourth generation Harvard alums who’s family name is on a library get turned down nowadays. Be happy with a good letter.</p>
<p>Alumnus of the school means little. Having received a PhD in the area you want to study puts the individual in a better position to evaluate your abilities and what it takes to be successful in this area. If the letter is as good as you think, it should touch upon this. May be even compare you to others who are success and have gone on to do well in that field of study. As someone who reads letters, i put more weight on letter from someone with the appropriate background. HOWEVER, and this is important, a very well crafted and personal letter from someone who knows you very well is better than one from someone with letters after his/her name. From your post, you indicated you worked with him. That’s a different story. he should know you well enough. May be even better than a teacher who had you in a class. </p>
<p>Put simply, a major league baseball player is better at evaluating a hitter than an football coach would be</p>
<p>@MrMom62 not looking for an edge just looking for an answer…</p>
<p>@luvthej totally understand where you’re coming from, thanks for the reply</p>