<p>Hey guys! I'm working(for free) at a financial institution that has a small office in my city so Im often in contact with the CEO whenever he/she is at this office. Its a large middle eastern Investment Bank, I even did my interview (for my summer highschool internship...Im their first intern ever btw..my own drive and determination..first time cold calling firms :D) with him/her. Apparently she/he likes me a lot. I have yet to see my SAT results, I took the June 5 test, but my test is under "administrative review" for some reason, should be available in a few biz days. My stats are pretty good, but nothing fancy or national-level. Extra-currics are a lot, but a lot of them are focused around economics/finance/trading/business and Science, some are also sports. I am an international student from the middle east, attending a top school in Saudi Arabia.</p>
<p>The CEO was a major player at a bulge bracket Investment Bank before he/she moved (i did that to protect his/her identity). Attended Georgetown for Finance.</p>
<p>Is it really that impactful? eitherway, I will ask him since I really respect him and think he has a good view of how strong my work skills are and my work ethics. Just wondering how much will it sway the adcoms? </p>
<p>notes:
-She/He will obviously be mailing it himself/herself to make it much more legit + since I cant include it anywhere in the common app.
-Im going to ask for one specifically written to Georgetown... or should I ask him/her to send one to all my colleges??</p>
<p>A recommendation from an alum is usually of dubious value. They make a difference only if the alum happens to have real pull at the school (usually because s/he is a big contributor) and writes not just the typical pro forma recommendation, but really goes to the mat. I wouldn’t count on a virtual stranger doing that for you.</p>
<p>Well, this guy is big (I dont know if she’s/he’s a contributor)! Still no pull? I mean, he’s the CEO for god’s sake! He/she was a global head at a Bulge Bracket Investment bank! still no pull?</p>
<p>Bill Clinton was President of the United States, but a recommendation letter from him wouldn’t necessarily get you in…</p>
<p>If s/he still deeply involved in the school and gives greatly then it might have an effect. Otherwise, it doesn’t really matter that they are CEO of a MNC or a cashier. It’s not legacy either, so it doesn’t particularly matter to them anyway.</p>
<p>So, unless this person’s money is of great (the upmost?) importance to Georgetown, a recommendation from a person who doesn’t really know you probably doesn’t come into play.
Of course, there might be exceptions…</p>
<p>I agree with everyone here. In fact, it probably would have a greater effect to have a teacher who knows you well praise your performance in school than to have some CEO say that he or she “likes you a lot.”</p>
<p>Hmm, I agree that the CEO may not help all too much… But just for the sake of arguing, I would have to say that if a US President wrote a personalized letter for you I doubt the adcom would be able to pass that up :)</p>