<p>and do the directors have any say in admissions?</p>
<p>edit: by saying directors have a say I mean can they help somebody get in by recommendation and could they be that over the top thing that gets a student into the school?</p>
<p>I guess what im saying is is it beneficial to know multiple directors/ donors?</p>
<p>To my knowlege, directors have no say in admissions–generally.</p>
<p>Fiscal policy, major decisions about academic direction, expansion of school mission.</p>
<p>The details about responsibility depend on what kind of school you are talking about. For some public systems, the job is complicated by the need to weigh the interests of several different campuses.</p>
<p>I am unclear what you mean by Board and directors. At the private school I went to it was the Board of Trustees. Absolutley they could overrule admissions. But I doubt it would get that far – the Trustee would put the word in. Would it help more than being an athlete or legacy – I think so. At the public system in my state, the Chancelors office hears “appeals” As to just “knowing” someone – dont know if that helps. If you are their kid, of course it helps.</p>
<p>I cannot speak for others but when I served on the Board of Trustees at Bowdoin, I was approached twice with requests to “speak to Admissions” on behalf of students I did not know…I barely knew the parents. Both times I flatly refused. At the time, I was also on the Admissions subcommittee. How others used their influence and power, I can’t say. I am certain some of the “old boys” tugged at the ears of Admission officers on a variety of issues from the abolition of frats to financial aid. I am sure if I had called up there, I would have been heard out. How much impact it would have I am not certain, but yes, Trustees’ calls are taken.</p>
<p>I’m sure they have a pretty big say in admissions if they’re a major donor.</p>