<p>I think an unsolicited peer recommendation MIGHT help if an applicant is overwhelmingly academically qualified, but suspect with regard to social and interpersonal skills. For example, a committee might wonder about a kid with perfect test scores, an impressive transcript and, say, a high proficiency in five or six programing languages, but no team sports or group activities. Will that kid venture outside his dorm room? A well written peer letter might help with that concern. </p>