<p>I have noticed for grad physics, Yale is around the 13th best school, give or take a few spots. With good grades, a recommendation from a proffessor there (the friend that I am asking about has done work studies with him and he seems to really like him, and it's gotten him to know some people from Duke), would it be possible that they'd accept someone from UConn? My friend's still a freshman, so we'll see what happens. (Yes, I'm being nosy, but it couldn't hurt to be supportive towards a friend, right?) Also, would knowing faculty/grad students there even help at all? I just know, that with undergrad Ivies, who you know and how much you have can be pretty important.</p>
<p>For sure! Plenty of people come from state schools and usually graduate programs try to include a diversity of schools. Also remember to get involved with research at some point, that is a big factor in grad school admissions, particularly for “upper-level” university.</p>
<p>I don’t believe that knowing professors is overly important. I am sure it “helps” but I don’t think it is expected.</p>