<p>All right, so obviously i have already sent in all of my applications.
So my father and I know a lot of alumni and high positioned professors from the schools to which I have applied. Would it be a smart idea to have them call the admissions office to say something about me?</p>
<p>I think im just way too nervous since decisions are taking foreverrrr...</p>
<p>thanks,
-raghu</p>
<p>I would think that a call or a note or an email from a tenured professor at that U (who actually knows you well enough to say something nice about you) could only help.</p>
<p>Disagree.
1. It will not help UNLESS this professor knows you from working in his lab or taking a class he taught.
2. You will put those faculty in a VERY awkward situation. It is not considered appropriate in academia to make such calls or write such letters.</p>
<p>citymom is offering good advice to you. I just read your chances post and, as you noted, observed that your standardized test scores are somewhat low for the programs and schools to which you have applied. This, in my opinion, bolsters the validity of citymom's advice to you as you don't want to put professors, who happen to be family friends, in an awkward & uncomfortable position. So, in answer to the title of your original post, no, this is not a hook. It would be a hook only if the family friends had absolute authority to admit you to the college or university--and that is really a "connection", and not a true "hook". A hook is something that a school is in need of and is actively seeking such as a quarterback, a tuba player or a capable & talented URM. A hook can also be an unusual or unique talent, ability or experience that makes the applicant stand out from the crowd. "Hook", like "legacy", is hard to fully define as it can & does vary from school to school.</p>
<p>Sort of on the same plane, is it reccomended to send a thank you note after an interview--even if it is this late (I had mine 1+ months ago)</p>
<p>At the very best schools often the faculty is separated from the admissions process and have no more impact than any other recommendation. One of the other thread talked about that being a problem (i.e., no facutly input in to the process) [I think it may have been one of the U Penn treads]. Obviously, a recommendation from a nobel prize winner in his/her area would count a lot. But again as pointed out by others, it only helps if they know you and your work well. But from what I have seen, it does not help a lot. Again, it depends on the level of school.</p>
<p>arite thank you all for the advice...i had actually submitted a rec from a nobel laureate, dr. eric kandel, (i worked in his lab at columbia) so hopefully that will help out</p>