<p>Applying to top CS schools in the nation. Would name-dropping be helpful? I mention in my Univ. X SoP that I discussed Y with a Univ. X graduate.. should I mention his/her name?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>If your discussion was something substantial. “Name-dropping” without a context that describes your preparation or reasons for wanting to attend grad school are not going to help you.</p>
<p>name dropping only works if you have a real connection to the person. And generally that person would write you a rec letter, so you wouldn’t really need to name drop them anyway</p>
<p>Thank you gentlemen! I shall refrain from name-dropping.</p>