Relationship with the Stanford Hospital?

Colleges & Universities Stanford University
1

<p>Hi everyone, would like to start off with a general question: How is Stanford University’s relationship with the Stanford Hospital? Is it very much a part of the university, and would prominent doctors hold clout in the undergraduate admissions process?</p>

<p>I ask because I’ll be applying there this year and my family has long had very close ties with several prominent doctors at the hospital. My intended career path and application will have nothing to do with medicine or even the sciences, though, as I’d like to eventually major in on Political Science or History.</p>

<p>In any case, I sincerely hope you guys don’t mind me asking – would close contacts with the hospital (a. if the doctor regularly teaches at stanford, or b. if the doctor does not) make a significant difference in my application? Or is the hospital just an appendage of an institution that just so happens to be there?</p>

<p>Thanks guys, would appreciate any constructive responses :)</p>

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<p>my gut reaction would be no, unless these prominent doctors are close with Richard Shaw and co. and will bring your name up…</p>

<p>are these doctors just family friends, or actual family. The latter will strongly help your case. Rejecting a family friend will not ruin a relationship between Shaw and the doctor. Rejecting a family member might.</p>

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<p>not doctors, although med school professors sometimes write undergrad admissions recommendations. they are said to be only helpful if that stanford professor has known you in a serious capacity, not just as a family member who sees you often. from your situation, i would not recommend using any of them as your supplementary recommendation, and their opinions will likely not be seriously considered, although it doesnt necessarily hurt to have your name mentioned more often.</p>

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<p>Sorry, I’m a bit dense. Name mentioned more often – in what way?</p>

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<p>i mean it in the same way as if you kept in contact with your admissions officer.
doesnt hurt for them to have heard of you when they read your application.</p>

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</p>

<p>No
At very few top universities would “family has close ties” with anyone including the president help you. If you have studied with them and worked with them, that is a different answer.
And yes, some of the med school profs teach undergraduate courses too (eg biochemistry).</p>

<p>If anything, such a “letter” could hurt you more than help you</p>