I’m planning on applying to Columbia, and I’m wondering if I should ask my teacher who is a Columbia alumni to send in an additional rec on how I’m a great fit for the school. She’s taught me science all through elementary school and an Honors engineering class in my sophomore year.
Should get a teacher who taught you junior/senior year.
It is not the qualifications of the recommended that a school is looking for, it is all about what the person can say about you. And no college wants to hear more than a line about elementary school (and probably not that much) so the recommendation would basically be limited to your sophomore year class. Don’t pick a teacher just because he/she is an alum – ask the teacher who can impart the most information about your current ability as a student, a person etc.
I agree with @happy1 , but don’t rule out this teacher just because they only taught you sophomore year. If your relationship with this teacher is such that they can describe you in the best possible light, and they happen to be a Columbia alum, great.
Best of luck to you.