<p>I'm looking to apply to Bentley University as an undergrad in 2015 and I have a question regarding recommendation letters. My cousin is the CEO of a Fortune 500 company and I would love to have him as a recommendation letter, especially for Bentley (for those who don't know it is strictly a business school). Would it look wrong to have my cousin write me a letter? Could it be written in a way that doesn't promote him as my cousin but more as an acquaintance? Any help? Thanks everyone </p>
<p>What would an “acquaintance” be able to say about you that’s of any value to a college? The purpose of rec letters is to attest to your academic/social ability within a learning or working environment. It’s not a race to see who can get a celeb to attest that they know you. </p>
<p>Bentley says "You should submit one from a counselor and one from a teacher who can speak to your strengths and talents. "</p>
<p>That means you get ONE chance for a teacher’s perspective. His LOR wouldn’t look “wrong” – he just has nothing to say. You’d be pretty foolhardy to submit his LOR over your teacher.</p>
<p>Even so, colleges don’t care for name dropping. You’re better off getting the shift manager at Burger king to write you a LOR (who actually has seen you work) rather than your cousin. It’s not WHO writes the LOR but WHAT they say about you. Hope this makes sense.</p>
<p>I agree, do not use the cousin unless that cousin has first-hand experience with your work ethic and skills. Example: you worked for this cousin over summer break. If it is just hear-say from dinners at Christmas, don’t do it. It could backfire.</p>