My question is, My uncle knows someone at a school I am interseted in going to, but I still have doubts about. He is from PA and I am from CA and I am in PA and I am going to have dinner with him tommorow. Is it rude for him to ask him to get me into this school? Knowing that I might not go there.
Your opinion is appriciated.
A recommendation (from someone in good standing with the school) can never hurt. It would probably be considered rude to ask directly for him to “get you in” to this school. Perhaps if you show you are truly interested, and ask him a ton of questions about it, he may volunteer to give you a recommendation. If you make a good impression you could ask for his recommendation, but you would have to see how you both get along first and if he believes you are worthy of his recommendation.
A few things.
First of all, unless this is a very special college, there is no way that just knowing someone will get you in. Unless there are several buildings on campus with your name on them and you’re on a first name basis with everyone in admissions, it’s going to take the usual stuff to get the big envelope come April.
And while we’re at it, keep in mind that no matter how you get in to a school… once you’re there, it’s all you. Just you. Your choices, your consequences. Whatever- or whoever- got you in there won’t help come exam time, or get you out of trouble if you get picked up for drinking, or be your proverbial shoulder to cry on when you screw up.
It’s not your obligation to go to any school unless you apply early decision or send in the “yeah, count me in for September” letter. Even then, some people just don’t show up.
I applied to five schools and got in them all. I know people who applied to twenty. Schools are used to rejection.
The recommendation might not hurt, though.
Peace