<p>Anywho, one of the professors I am semi-working with called his dissertation advisor and left a message saying that I would be a wonderful student to work with. How does this affect things? Do professors take this kind of stuff seriously?</p>
<p>I am in the humanities.</p>
<p>That's the "informal recommendation". It's always good to have a department alum confirming you are a good fit although LOR is often sufficient. It still a plus for you but it doesn't guarantee anything.</p>
<p>This doesn't often happens but I know it could really work in one's favor: the dissertation advisor calls to recommend someone to his/her former student (now a professor) who has considerable influence in the admission process.</p>
<p>dallas is precisely right. Good luck, vic!</p>