<p>I'm applying to college at the moment, and in addition to the letters of recommendation from my counselor & teacher, I was thinking of asking the owner/creator of a website that I help to manage for a letter as well. I became a member of the website about 5 years ago & have progressed to an authoritative position (moderating other members, having access to others accounts, the power to delete inappropriate threads, etc). The website generates a lot of traffic & is fairly popular, but it's geared towards a specific interest of mine (poetry) so I wouldn't expect the admissions people to really know and/or appreciate it. I don' t get paid for my time on the website, but it means a lot to me and I spend a lot of time helping to manage the website & make it a better community for poets. Also, I know that the owner of the website would write me an amazing rec letter. Is this a good idea to send in a recommendation letter from him or simply a misguided one? I really can't decide and I don't want to kill my chances at my dream schools because of this. (It doesn't really matter, but in case you were wondering, I'm applying to a few Ivys, Northwestern, Vandy, & U of Chicago, so I'm aiming quite high).</p>
<p>It sounds valid to me. If they do not think it is worthwhile, they will ignore it. You will not be in any way disadvantaged by submitting it. </p>
<p>This is becoming my mantra: Adcoms are not looking through your application materials, looking for some reason to toss you into the deny pile. They want to find a reason to accept you.</p>