<p>would it make a difference if say you have a friend or is slightly acquanted with an alumni or faculty at the college you want to go to? because I know if your own family went there (legacy), that might make a slight difference . but what about people that you know that are not family? would colleges actually contact that person?</p>
<p>Read your own post:</p>
<p>'Slightly aquainted'</p>
<p>No.</p>
<p>They wouldn't contact anyone you name unless it's your Letter of Reference. If the college accepts "Supplementary Letters of Reference (check their rules carefully) in addition to academic references (never instead of), perhaps you want to have the alumna friend write one for you. Ask your GC if that sounds like a good idea, and follow the GC's advice.</p>
<p>What did the alumnus (male)/ alumna (female) say about the place?</p>
<p>If you were writing about why you wanted to attend, you could mention that one thing that influenced you positively was hearing some positive description of the college from an alumnus you know (don't drop the name). You could mention what he/she said. You could express why that comment made you feel enthusiastic about the school in terms of what YOU are seeking. That just shows you're doing some research. Don't drop the name; it won't help, in fact it's cheesy. But you can refer very positively to the information you discussed with the alumna/e.</p>
<p>But you should have MANY reasons to want to go there, not just the alumna/e friend comment!</p>