Famous vs. Familiar Recommendation Letters

Every year some pre-law student interns for some U.S. Senator, hoping to get a great letter of recommendation. Nothing wrong with that, unless you never get to know your boss.

These letters from "famous" recommenders are far less influential than those letters from recommenders who are "familiar" with who you are and with how you work.

That doesn't mean you want to ask your dad, of course. But you do want to ask someone who's worked with you closely in school or at work, so they can really dig deep and show the admissions committee what you're made of.

For those who still have time, remember this and work really hard for someone before you apply so you can ask for a recommendation with complete confidence that it will get you in at your top school -- and not get in your way.

Which reminds me, if you're not sure whether someone will sing your praises, don't ask them to recommend you. If you're desparate and can't find anyone else, be direct:

"Would you be willing to write a strong recommendation letter for my law school application?"

If they hestitate (even slightly) and then say "yes," just tell them you'll get back to them. Then go with Plan B by either asking someone else or getting a new job so you can build up future recommenders.