<p>A former faculty member of economics at Dartmouth and Harvard, and currently teaching at UConn knows me very well and has offered to write a recommendation for me to the colleges.</p>
<p>I am an international, applying to Dartmouth, Harvard, Cornell, among others. And I have 2200+ SAT,1600/1600 on SAT subject tests, great grades, great EC's, etc. If he writes a glowing recommendation letter about me then would that raise my chances, especially at Dartmouth where he taught for 6 years?</p>
<p>BUMP</p>
<p>If he writes a glowing recommendation and he is really enthusiastic about writing it for you, go for it! It would definitely be an egg in your basket if a former faculty member thinks you would be a good for for the student body.</p>
<p>The strongest recommenders are educators who know you both in the classroom and beyond, and can provide vivid examples of your academic strengths and other passions. This is my personal opinion only, but since this professor only knows you in a social setting, unless he’s been your tutor or coach, he can’t provide first hand examples that differentiate you from others. I suspect his recommendation would be sent to the fluff pile. </p>
<p>Your one exception may indeed be at Dartmouth. I would still get strong teacher/counselor recommendations, and use his letter as a supplement. Be sure that is allowed prior to sending it! Good luck!</p>
<p>@Osserpusser This professor knows me really well and might be able to give some very vivid examples about me. And yes I agree, I have excellent teacher and counsellor recommendations, but I just though that as he has taught there, his recommendation would count for something.</p>
<p>I think the recommendation would be a strong addition to your application. The only negative I can imagine would be if this professor left Dartmouth on bad terms, or if he was not well-respected there. </p>
<p>@deborahb I don’t know specifically how and why he left…but I couldn’t ask him that…and he wouldn’t want to harm my application, being an old family friend…so I think it should be safe addition, though I don’t know…I just added him as a recommender though</p>
<p>Any other opinions?</p>
<p>Any one’s else opinion would be welcome</p>
<p>Michaelite: are you waiting for someone to tell you that “it’s a bad idea”???</p>
<p>It’s a bad idea.</p>
<p>Just kidding. I don’t see any flaws with it. He can’t qualify as really being your teacher, however his experience should have some pull on the recommendation. He’s seen tons of students and is choosing to write about you. AND on top of it, it’s a school you’re interested in. I don’t see any problems with that. </p>
<p>thanks everybody</p>
<p>@T26E4 I had never asked a yes/no question on CC and not gotten varying opinions…so this is kind of a new experience 
</p>
<p>Absolutely, YES! Even if this professor doesn’t really know the candidate well “intellectually” (and I do not suggest that is true in this case), he is still (in all likelihood) a well-respected “insider.” By whom will the Admissions Committee be more influenced, this known colleague or Mr. Jones (who taught the applicant for one year in some unknown secondary school)? This decision defines “no brainer.” </p>