specific recommendation from superintendent.

<p>Im applying to Wharton and a final vote was made by the school board to favor my recommendation to include our state test as a graduation requirement. Many administrators said I effectively changed school policy through my analysis and presentations to the principals, superintendent, and school board.</p>

<p>Since my superintendent is a graduate of the Wharton School, I am getting a recommendation from him this week. It will actually be a real recommendation, not those "hes a hardworking student". it was pretty apparent when he was glad and suggested to write a recommendation. </p>

<p>Since I worked closely with him on this school issue, I'm sure he can write specifically what i did for the school as a board representative.</p>

<p>my question is, will this make a big impact on admissions and their decision?</p>

<p>It is specific, shows your motivation, and is an alumni connection. It definitely wont hurt.</p>

<p>No. As a Wharton grad I get lots of requests to write letters. The first thing I tell all is that alumni letters make little to no difference. It will count like any other of your recs. To be very frank, I can think of a few alum who might hold sway, those that give big or are very powerful in ways that can help the school, but a run of the mill alum won't do much.</p>

<p>Last year 2 of us wrote very strong letters for a young man who was an amazing intern for us. He had top grades and a 2250 plus to go with it but no dice, he was deferred and then rejected.</p>

<p>does anyone have any personal experiences with alumni recommendations that actually helped, the ones that specifically talked about you.</p>