<p>does meeting with the head of admissions for competitive schools (like the Ivies), say having a meal with them or just sitting down for a conversation, influence potential acceptance decisions? i know someone who's going to do that for a school i'm really interested in - what if she gets in and i don't because of this 'conversation'?!</p>
<p>What you’re asking is unknowable. The admissions officer is obviously there to “spread the gospel” of that college. That person may or may not be involved at the early stages of vetting apps. If and when that applicant’s file comes across the desk, might a flicker of a favorable association arise at that moment? Who knows? The admissions officers meets thousands of wide-eyed, wanting to impress HS students.</p>
<p>The fact is you may very well be rejected and this other woman gets accepted – but *how the heck *are you going to know what was the cause? You’re worrying over nothing.</p>
<p>I take that back. *You’re worrying over less than nothing. * </p>
<p>Focus on what you can do to best present yourself in your many applications. That college has no quota on acceptees at your HS. If your file can get their attention, then that’s what matters.</p>
<p>I can guarantee you this: tens of thousands of top school admitees never have this “conversation” yet are successful.</p>
<p>noted - thanks for the reply! 
yes, i’m a big worrier</p>
<p>I’m sure the student who has arranged the meeting hopes it influences the admissions decision, but short of booking the chef’s table at Daniel and doing the tasting menu with wine and then picking up the check, I really doubt this will be the thing that tips the scale. And probably not even then.</p>
<p>Admissions people, not just the head, meet with people all the time, sometimes out of courtesy to donors or influential alumni. Sometimes it’s the appearance of doing something that counts, even when there’s nothing to be done. Most applications still have to be approved by the whole committee - for the head of admissions to be able to go over the heads of the committee is certainly going to require a lot more behind the student than just dinner.</p>