Recommendation Letters

[MMDE]

How big of an impact is a recommendation letter written from someone within the institution you're applying to (or even an alumni)?

[djysyed]

I'm sure it depends on how well they know your capabilities. Certainly helps if they're comparing you with someone else of the same level.

[EGA]

If they can write a good letter, it would certainly help. Even better is if they personally reach out to the admissions committee on your behalf (which is certainly possible if you have a good relationship with them). At least at my school, if a professor in the department wanted someone to be accepted, they almost definitely would be admitted. I imagine similar remarks apply to most schools.