What is the value of an alumnus's recommendation?

Applying to College
1

<p>A teacher I had freshman year and who now occupies a prominent place on my school's administration attended my admissions "reach" school. The teacher graduated from the school and was president of his class. I think I may be able to get him to write my recommendation; however, because he hasn't had me in class for two years, he does not know me as well as other teachers and hasn't seen my academic development as closely. Because of that, I am thinking his recommendation might not be as positive as one I could get from a teacher who knows me better but did not attend this reach school. The one from the alumnus would be positive but probably not absoultely stellar; the one from another teacher would be a great recommendation but would not have the advantage of being from an alumnus of the college. </p>

<p>Does anyone from a position of authority on this know which recommendation would be better?</p>

2

<p>hmm...i'd say go with the teachers that know you better. your freshman teacher's status as an alumnus won't go anywhere if he writes you a generic rec. and i dont 'hold a position of authority,' but it seems like the wisest thing to do.</p>

3

<p>ummm i would use the alumnus' recommendation for just that school. and your better teachers for the others.</p>

4

<p>Unless his name is on a building, it's no big del.</p>

5

<p>i would go to the teacher that knows u best because they've seen ur academic growth and maturity and if ur not sure, call the college up and ask them if they accept additional letters of recs (some colleges allow it) and maybe that way, both can write u a rec</p>