<p>So I’m looking to get administrative recommendations from my school’s principal and superintendent and I wanted to know if this is a good idea, and if anyone has had good luck on their applications with them and how good they are to have. I’ve been in close contact with the principal through representing my school at the state and national level in FBLA and with the EFL program at Cornell, as well as running a half marathon with him to raise money for Boston Marathon bombing victims. With the superintendent, I’ve met with him for tutelage in public speaking and for advice on college and future plans, in addition to being a family friend through my mom who used to work with him in the IT field. Good people to recommend me? And will their recommendations be big to have on my apps?</p>
<p>I think that it could be good, but colleges really do want to get to know you. If your principal can tell a lot about you on a personal and academic level, then go for it. But if you are looking more at the name, colleges will see that.</p>
<p>I assume you’re talking about supplemental LORs, if so, I 'd recommend sending only one. If you’re choosing these people because you think adcoms are going to be impressed by the title of a recommender, think again, they’re experienced in reading LORs and can sort the wheat from the chaff. </p>
<p>Your contact with the superintendent sounds superficial, add that to the fact that they are a family friend and it’s a really poor choice IMO.</p>