So here’s the deal. I have made an excellent relationship with every teacher that I’ve ever had. Two or three in particular know me very well and are excellent writers. On the other hand, I have the richest and most influential man in my city who is willing to write a letter for me (I had 2 brothers employed by him and had many interactions with him in my younger years; I also just attended a leadership camp sponsored by him). He doesn’t really know my passion(s) and doesn’t know me near as well as the teachers do. He is also on the Board of Curriculum or the Board of Trustees for many prestigious schools including Harvard and Cornell. I know this sounds like a no brainer, but I have no clue whether colleges are looking for heartfelt LOR’s or ones from big names. I really need help on determining which to use. Thanks in advance.
I think from the teachers as they are the ones who know you best.
If he is that big of a name (and he wants to help you), then you don’t need a letter of rec from him. He’ll just call the admissions committee and tell them: “Hey guys, admit tigerrocks13."
Lol @rdeng2614 . In all honesty, he basically told me that he could do that for me at the 4 or 5 schools he has influence at. As great as getting into Cornell is, I am only going to school where I get either a full tuition scholarship (like at Alabama) or a competitive full ride scholarship (Wake Forest, Notre Dame, etc.). I want the best option that will give me an advantage when admissions counselors are picking which applications to set aside for merit scholarships.
Oh ok I see, so I’m assuming you’re not getting much financial aid then?
Correct. I come from a wealthy family, but they’re not just going to waste money. My dad went to Alabama, so, because I already have full tuition there, I have to get full tuition or more to go anywhere else. I’m going to law school afterwards, so they’re going to pay for that instead. We’re trying to play it smart. I won’t be taking out one penny of student loans. @rdeng2614
Then yes, I would think the teachers rec would matter much more.
Like I said before, recs should not be used to show that you have connections when a simple phone call would suffice.
Colleges, especially merit scholarships, want to know if you were a leader in the classroom, and what kind of impact you had on the community/school so a heartfelt teacher rec will fare much better than the one from a big name.