<p>Should I get recommendation letters from people I know that went to the schools im applying to (Exeter and Andover)? Or is this just a waste of time?</p>
<p>i guess that helps. but you know, thats not required.
yeah, it might help you. i wouldn’t count on it.</p>
<p>You mean recommendation letters that you will send as part of your application? I don’t know where you could use those.</p>
<p>Pointless, really. What relation do they have with you? If it is one of substance, then sure. However, just because your dad’s friend happens to be an alumnus of Exeter doesn’t mean his recommendation will either be solicited or helpful.</p>
<p>Such a letter will help you only if </p>
<p>a) The letter writer has a strong, serious connection to the school in question (board member, faculty, multi-million dollar donor) </p>
<p>AND (note, not or)</p>
<p>b) He or she knows you well</p>
<p>A letter from a member of the board of trustees stating that he knows DEtrombone is a great kid because he plays squash with DEtrombone’s father isn’t going to help. The school will know that said trustee is not going to use his or her capital to get you in and your rejection wouldn’t sufficiently **** them off for that to be of concern. Such a person will not have any more to say about your many stellar talents than will be communicated through your other recs. </p>
<p>Likewise, a letter from your best friend, cousin, or 3rd grade art teacher who attended the school will not hold much weight. Why should they listen to them over a teacher who can assess your current work rationally and without personal bias?</p>
<p>A letter from someone who has a loyalty to both the school and you and knows both intimately could help. For instance, a teacher from the school to which you’re applying and with whom you’d worked on an outside project who says “I know this kid’s work is up to our teaching standards” would be listened to. So would your godfather, with whom you’ve spent every summer and who just happens to be the head of the board of trustees.</p>
<p>Most applicants are not in such a privileged position, so my general advice would be to skip the “connection” letter. You don’t want to be seen as a “the thicker the file…” kind of kid.</p>