Weight of Alumni Connections

So I know, especially out of the Ivy League, Dartmouth has a very tight-knit Alumni network. One of the good friends of my grandparents happens to be a Dartmouth Alumnus who resides in Hanover and had a pretty storied career in the Episcopalian Church. We’ve gotten to do a bit of talking as I’ve honed in on Dartmouth as my top choice, and he seems to really like me. Given the caliber of this alumnus, will his recommendation of me hold any weight with admissions?

I have great EC’s and a 34 ACT, people have said I stand a chance ED.

Even if this isn’t the hook for me, I know I’ve made a good friend through this process.

Dartmouth only considers legacies as students whose parents received their AB from Dartmouth college.

no, it will not