How much does "knowing someone" help in the admissions process?

Applying to College
1

<p>At one of the school's I applied to, I know the Dean of the College of Journalism, which is my intended major. How much weight could this hold in the admissions process? She had mentioned that she is looking for fresh student journalists to build up her department. </p>

<p>I am not intending for this to be the reason as to why I am admitted. My scores and GPA are on par. I'm just wondering if this actually does hold weight for freshman applicants.</p>

2

<p>Why don’t you ask her?</p>

3

<p>I very much doubt it.</p>

4

<p>If this Dean friend of yours has been asking where your application is, then she has an interest and it might help. Otherwise you are probably going to be treated like any other applicant.</p>

5

<p>My friend’s mother knew the DOA at our state honors college. Kid got in with stats below the 25% mark. Meh, he played baseball, but I doubt that affected the HC’s viewpoint of him.</p>

6

<p>It all depends. Actually, if you have a connection with a professor and are interested in that field and have so demonstrated it to him/her, if that prof will send off a note to Admissions, it can make a difference. My close friend’s son got into a school that was a true reach for him, after an interview with a dept prof, and then the dept head. He had a very directed interest that did make a huge difference. The dept head and prof,said they would send a note to to admissions. No guarantees, but he did get accepted while rejected to schools not as selective. </p>

<p>A generic rec is not likely to do much if anything from anyone. But something specific and academic in nature can count heavily, especially from an undersubscribed program.</p>

7

<p>I think it depends. How big is the school you are applying to? How competitive is the pool? It may be worth contacting the Dean of the department and reiterating your interest in the school and especially the department. You could ask her if she has any application advice, and she may offer to see what she can do. If you know her well enough, you could also ask her for a rec letter - but that may be a reach. Best of luck to you :)</p>