<p>Well, you see,
My teacher that I've had for 2 years, for Chemistry and AP Chem, is also an Alumni from Cornell.
He offered to do me a recommendation, and I'm just wondering whether the fact that he's writing me a recommendation, and that he's also an Alumni of Cornell, will look better than if he wasn't an Alumni.</p>
<p>In other words, will what he say be regarded higher than a rec letter from someone who isn't an alum?</p>
<p>Not really. If your Chem teacher has donated an amount of money six figures or more then it would help marginally. Otherwise it's just a regular teacher recommendation.</p>
<p>As an alum, I actually differ a bit on this. Most alums are able to tell pretty easily who is cracked out to be a Cornell student, and who isn't. So the fact that he attended Cornell and took courses in the hard sciences can only help you, especially if he is adept as writing about your strengths.</p>
<p>Just like the alumni interviews, it certainly can't hurt. (Well, actually, the alumni interviews can probably hurt you, but the types of kids they hurt are marginal candidates to begin with.)</p>