<p>is it a good idea to get a recommendation letter from a united states congressman?
my representative's assistant offered to write me one, will this stand out or are they a-dime-a-dozen?</p>
<p>Name dropping isn't gonna do you a lick of good. The adcoms want to see how you perform academically and your character. A bunch of generalities from a "name" isn't gonna help you a bit -- actually, you'll probably create a negative impression for your naked attempt to gain an edge.</p>
<p>We were told at college info sessions that unless the Congressman was your math or english teacher and REALLY knew your character and work ethic, they are completely unimpressive. I believe it is helpful for a military academy, but not the others.</p>
<p>I would have disagree with the statement that a letter of rec from a Congressman would make a negative impression. First of all, Congressmen don't take time out of their busy schedules for just anyone, their reputation is at stake. Now the importance of such a letter varies from school to school. If one is pursuing a career in politics at a politically focused university I believe a pledge of support from a Congressman would be helpful. However, I do not advocate future nuclear fusion majors asking for a letter from representatives they don't know. IF you have established a dialogue with the congressman, you want to go into politics/civil service, THEY ARE CONFIDENT THAT YOU WILL SUCCEED and you interview with them I before the letter I really don't think it is a negative.</p>
<p>"First of all, Congressmen don't take time out of their busy schedules for just anyone, their reputation is at stake."</p>
<p>Actually, they do take time out of their schedules for any constituents: That's their job. Congressmembers aren't going to turn down anyone -- except people like convicted felons -- who request recommendations. Even if the congressmembers barely know the person, the congressman can write a bland LOR resulting in at least a grateful constituent who'll vote for them.</p>
<p>Often, the congressman doesn't even write it himself. Most likely, an aide would type it up and the congressman would sign it while eating his breakfast. </p>
<p>I'd get a solid recommendation from a teacher that has seen you grow as a student and individual over the years...</p>
<p>I don't believe the recommendation from a congressman is helpful. a congressman has nothing to do with education. recommendation from guidance counselor is the most significant.</p>
<p>UC123ITA: politicians' main job is to try to say "yes" to as many people as possible. Having an aide pull up form the computer files the standard "student recommendation letter with signature already affixed" is really nothing.</p>
<p>If in your career, you happen to have someone submit one of these standardized rec letters, you might be well served to treat it for what it is as well -- a bunch of fluff.</p>
<p>If you personally know the congressman and he/she can write a letter of recommendation that portray aspects of your life that other recommendations don't get across, then go for it. If they don't know anything about you and can't show a unique perspective, then it's a waste of the adcom's time to read it.</p>
<p>Did you work in the congressman's office? Did the congressman present you with some kind of special award or recognition? Is the congressman a very close family friend who knows you (not just your parents) extremely well? These might be some situations in which it would make sense to get the rec.</p>
<p>Sorry for bumping this thread but I have the same question.</p>
<p>I interned for a congressman and I thought it’d be okay if he wrote my supplemental rec…I dont think there is anything wrong with that but what are your guys’ opinions?</p>
<p>Did he offer to write it without prompting? Do you know him very well, and has he seen you grow as a person? Are you sure it won’t just be a form LOR? Keep in mind you don’t need a supplemental rec, and most schools caution against it if it won’t add anything new to information about who you are as a person. Don’t do this just to name drop–only if you KNOW he will write a great rec.</p>
1 Like
<p>businessgrl: you have the same question and the answer is the same. The purpose of a supplemental rec is to shed light on your ability to affect others or your academic potential. </p>
<p>If this letter writer was a shift manager at a Wal Mart where you worked, would you still have him/her write one? Then what about the name of this congressman and what he writes in his note about you will shed any light to the readers of your application?</p>
<p>Name dropping is irrelevant these days and frankly, might backfire.</p>
<p>When I review job applicants, I’m not impressed with any “names” on their reference lists. Give me people who can testify how you’ll add to my organization. I don’t care that your Aunt Millie is a District Judge or a Board member of the local university.</p>
1 Like
<p>
I think it depends on what the shift manager would say–and same for the Congressman. Will the supplemental rec say something about you that won’t appear in the rest of your application? If it essentially just confirms that you worked there and did a good job, it adds little. But if you did something impressive (i.e., helped write new legislation/gave free ESOL lessons to other Wal-Mart workers) it could help.</p>