<p>A family friend of mine has been waitlisted by USC. I know the family and the kid very well for last 8-10 years. Since I'm the alum of USC, he asked me to write a rec for him. I think very highly of the kid. But should I be generic or provide pointed views about the kid in the rec? I am not in college business for so many years. Wondering what exactly I should write so it's meaningful for the adcom committe and most importantly it benefits the kid with a positive outcome. I know they are very hopeful. Ideas please!!!</p>
<p>if you can tell a story that reveals something steller about the applicant's character that may be his best bet. Generic is just that. Good Grades, Good ECs, Good Scores Yawwwnnnnn. Tell them something they haven't heard before if you want to be impactful.</p>
<p>Agree with historymom.</p>
<p>They've already gotten generic. Be specific. Tell them why this kid.</p>
<p>I know nothing about the culture at USC so this may not be applicable, but at my alma mater it would likely be a bad idea for an alum to write a letter of recommendation unless s/he knew the student in an academic or extracurricular context. There might be no problem with doing this at USC, but it's worth considering whether it might hurt the applicant because the admissions committee might feel like the student is trying to use an "insider" to pressure them. Again, it may not be applicable, but it's worth considering the possible downside.</p>
<p>I think alumni serve to look out for students they'd consider good fits for the college, and see no wrong in writing a letter of rec for a student you know socially or as a family friend. </p>
<p>In fact, the personal story you have to tell might help the student stand out more for the committee. If, for example, your new story about him describes someone with school spirit and enthusiasm for friends, you as alum can attest to imagining him as a "fit" at USC where school spirit is a big feature.</p>
<p>Or, if you;ve observed him as thoughtful, insightful or artistically inclined, and demonstrate it with some unique story about him, then you as alum are in a position to connect the dots and say you could imagine him with some of the film or arts students of the school, enjoying the dialogue together or helping with projects. </p>
<p>Above all, try to think of things he has to contribute to the campus, and if you can suggest some things about good ethics or moral character, wouldn't you think that'd be welcome? HOw many difficult, high-maintenance, immature freshman does a college want to have, anyway?</p>