<p>How influential is it if you are able to get an excellent recommendation from someone who is on the Board of Admissions or a similar position of power at the college you are applying to?</p>
<p>I'd find it hard to imagine that a staffer of an admissions group of a school you're applying to would even deign to write a recommendation. If it doesn't cross an ethics line, it sure is close.</p>
<p>You gotta remember this first: a recommendation is to inform your file readers of your HS academic work and character. Just because you know someone of seeming influence, doesn't mean it'll help your case a single bit. </p>
<p>The green first year teacher who is excited to have you as an achieving student may help you tons over some casual acquaintance who has some inside connection with the college.</p>
<p>I'd say recommendations are definitely about content and not "who's who". Then again, who's to say that some behind the scenes maneuvering doesn't occur. </p>
<p>However, if you ask, don't be surprised if you aren't being insulting to their integrity.</p>
<p>My understanding is that a recomendation from a bigwig associated with the school can help you IF that bigwig knows you very well and has something to say about you that matters.</p>