I'm pretty sure that alum letters don't count much, unless you're a very rich and famous alum, and particularly if you're in the position on being able to donate $$$. Even then, I'm not so sure if this isn't your own kid.

As far as being a relative goes, for the purposes of giving the kid a legacy bump, at most colleges you don't get legacy consideration if the alum is anyone other than your own parents.

What may be helpful is if you know the kid well and you're in a position to write a sincere letter about the kid's strengths. If you can't do this (you barely know the kid, or you can't honestly say positive things about his abilities), you might be doing him a favor if you suggest he get a recommendation from a favorite teacher, summer job employer or even minister/rabbi instead.

Anonymous wrote:Do alumni letters matter? Also, are they less helpful if they are from a close relative? I've been asked to provide one.

An alum letter from a relative could help, if the applicant is at least within admissions range, and if the alum is in good or better standing. A letter from a prominent alum and/or a material donor could help. I suspect that a disclosure of the relationship might be wise; if the relationship is discovered prior to actual enrollment but hadn't been disclosed, I could see that being an issue.

Do alumni letters matter? Also, are they less helpful if they are from a close relative? I've been asked to provide one.