Hello,
My dad knows a prominent and respected business man who is known across the world, and who is also a Harvard graduate. I do not know him that much, but he has made donations in excess of $5 million to Harvard.
Would getting a recommendation letter from him help, and should I?
A recommendation from someone who hardly knows you is pointless…
@sherpa Sure, but there’s always this talk of if your parents or relatives make a huge donation to the school and the school is aware of it, then it can be a huge hook. Could that extend to apply in this case as well?
I disagree with @Sherpa. In some cases the mind-numbingly naiveté of an applicant comes screaming out and will diminish you in the college’s eyes – like in your case.
In what line of logic will this stranger’s executive assistant, 3 tiers away from him, who writes pulls out an archived and generic rec letter (and probably signs for him) – going to translate to some fuzzy promise of money from Mr. Big Bucks? I guarantee you, Harvard Development already has a relationship with him and you and your parents’ friendship has not nor never will enter the conversation.
@T26E4 - So in what way are you disagreeing with me?
$5M doesn’t buy what it used to. A man once gave $1M to the community college where I teach. In exchange for that, his son got a spot on the football team. Whoop-de-doo.
You would be much better served by a good recommendation from a teacher who can discuss your academic achievements.
@Sherpa: you said it’s pointless. I think in some cases, it’s actually detrimental! hahaha
Apply on your own merits. If you want to get into Harvard “character” is important.