Hi all,
I am applying to UT Austin computer science and I my family and I are in a bank, obviously lol. My dad sent an email out to the president of the bank asking him for a rec letter because he is in a bunch of UT Austin and San Antonio activities and groups, and I want to apply to UT. Would this make a big impact? Because he was a graduate from UT for his MBA and although business has nothing to do with cs would getting a rec letter from the president of a company make an impact?
Yes…in a negative way.
Unless you worked for him, what is he really going to say that will add to your application? “Applicant seems nice and dad deposits a boatload of money in my bank?” LOL.
Dad needs to allow you to get in on your own merits.
Well he said to mail over the resume so he gets a better understanding of the application, and we’re actually pretty poor so he barely deposited any money, thanks for that.
My earlier post was hyperbole, but the quote above just underscores my point. If he doesn’t know you then his LoR will be given the appropriate consideration (i.e. none). Don’t waste his time or the AO’s time. You want to enhance your application, not detract from it.
I would never suggest submitting a letter of rec from someone that doesn’t know you beyond a resume read. The point of a rec letter is to add nuance and dimension to the reader’s understanding of the candidate. Even with best of intentions the author can’t capture the essence of what will help.
A superficial letter will suggest the best you could do is content light. I would avoid it.
Yeah after further consideration I think like a cs teacher who knew him the whole 4 years would be more worthwhile. Thx guys
Letters of recommendation need to come from people who know the applicant, and can state that they feel the applicant would be a good addition to the college community.
A letter from your dad’s banker implies that there’s no one who knows you who can actually write a strong letter on your behalf. It will work against you.
I am pretty sure that UT Austin admissions is very very based on numbers…Rigor and rank. Thos are Very Important.
Recommendations are only 'considered". So if you don’t have the rank, GPA. rigor, SAT the recommendation doesn’t matter…and they would want them from teachers that know you.
See Section C7 https://utexas.app.box.com/v/CDS2017
I don’t see the harm in it. UT’s computer science dept is pretty snooty anyway, so there’s always another reason they can make up to turn you down for it. Just be sure to apply to other schools like Texas A&M or University of Houston.
There’s a saying: The thicker the file, the thicker the applicant.
Does UT ask for LoR from anyone besides teachers? If not, do not submit one unless someone has something extraordinary and unusual to say about you.
If they do ask for a non-teacher LoR, find someone who actually knows you and can say positive things based on personal experience.
The OP decided not to pursue the LOR from the bank president per #5.