Does it help or hurt to have a family friend who is an Alumni of a west coast elite private university call the Admissions Office and put in a “good word” for an applicant during the month the university is making decisions, interview already completed, etc. Is this even done? This question is referring to an applicant who has turned everything in, had an interview, etc. and is awaiting a decision. Its not a family legacy, but a family friend.
No.
Why would you need to do that?
If your child is as great as you think, the merits of her application alone should be more than enough.
Why attempt to undermine her and, basically, tell your daughter that she’s not good enough and needs your intervention???
No, that will literally have no effect whatsoever. In fact, it would most likely annoy the person who was called. However, if a phone call is accompanied by a certified multimillion dollar check, anything’s possible I guess.
Depends upon many variables such as the school in question, the applicant’s qualifications, and the relationship between the alumnus and the admission’s officer.
In short, it could help, it could hurt, or it could make no difference whatsoever.
If your friend is a huge donor and has a building named for them, go for it.
Thx. Her merits are great, she needs no intervention, etc. I literally truly did not know if it was something that was done these days. She needs no help.shes awesome!
If the alumni was truly in a position to help your applicant, he would call the development office, not admissions.
Re: Post #6 above. Only in certain situations would & should that occur.
“Only in certain situations would & should that occur.”
Agreed. That was my point.
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