I understand that applicants generally get “other” letters of recommendation from coaches, employers, etc. How would a school view a letter of recommendation in the “other” category from someone who would most accurately be described as a family friend? This person was a student of my father’s at Harvard and became my au pair shortly after (when I was really young). They also now work at the school I am planning on sending this letter of recommendation to, so they can add some personal insight. Would this be considered a conflict of interest and consequently frowned upon?
First of all most people do not send in “other” (or supplemental) letters of recommendation. A supplemental LOR should only be sent if there is an adult who knows an applicant extremely well in a non-academic setting and it is believed that he/she can add something substantive to the application. Examples might be a long time boss, coach, clergy or someone along those lines. I would absolutely not send a letter from a family friend who was once in the employ of your parents – that would add zero value and in fact may make you seem a bit desperate. It does not matter that this person works at a school you would like to attend.