<p>Hey guys,</p>
<p>Really quick two questions. Would it be a bad idea to include a "Why Princeton" essay in the additional information section of my common application? Its my top choice school and I want to let the admissions committee know that. Additionally, despite the fact that I want to major in bio, you guys think that adcoms would look highly upon a congressman sending in a rec for me (I volunteered with his campaign and he is a family friend).</p>
<p>THANKS
Robbie</p>
<p>Both are bad ideas. If you really want to do at least one, definitely don’t choose the congressman letter of rec. But if you really want to get in to Princeton, you will do neither.</p>
<p>If you feel comfortable with it, why not?</p>
<p>When I applied, I sent in a separate “Why Princeton?” essay. I believe it helped in getting me admitted. As long as yours is not generic, then do it.</p>
<p>I don’t see how either could hurt your app in any way, and distinguished letters of rec certainly are boosters. Not sure if Frostyeel was being facetious…</p>
<p>Princeton doesn’t account for demonstrated interest when making admission decisions so a “Why Princeton” essay won’t help at all. It will slightly hurt your app because you’re giving the admission officers extra **** to read that is useless for their decision, which could annoy them.</p>
<p>Unless “I volunteered with his campaign” means you worked personally with the congressman and he knows you well and can speak of your qualities, then you shouldn’t do it. Universities get letters of rec like this all the time and they aren’t impressed by it. They care about you as a person and a student and want to learn more about you. They don’t give a crap about your family’s connections.</p>