Additional recommendation from alumnus

[Pico25]

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One of the schools I applied to put me on hold. I mentioned this while talking to a family friend who is a physician and graduate of said school. She asked if there would be any benefit to her contacting the admissions committee in some way, suggesting her recommendation as an alumnus might hold some weight.

My intuition is that it would not be useful, and possibly counterproductive, but I said I'd look and see. Thoughts?

 

[LizzyM]

Doesn't really help, AFAIK, and is the antithesis of "holistic review".

 

[arnim]

One of the schools I applied to put me on hold. I mentioned this while talking to a family friend who is a physician and graduate of said school. She asked if there would be any benefit to her contacting the admissions committee in some way, suggesting her recommendation as an alumnus might hold some weight.

My intuition is that it would not be useful, and possibly counterproductive, but I said I'd look and see. Thoughts?

I imagine it would be the equivalent of someone who worked at a retail store a decade ago recommending a new hire to a completely new management team, probably not useful or just out of the ordinary. It was nice of her to offer though, definitely keep in contact with her as you move through your career as im sure she would have useful advice.

 

[candbgirl]

1. Did you interview there already? And now you are on hold for a decision? Or are you waiting for an II?
2. Is she make a giant contribution to the med school? Is she active at the school?

 

[Goro]

One of the schools I applied to put me on hold. I mentioned this while talking to a family friend who is a physician and graduate of said school. She asked if there would be any benefit to her contacting the admissions committee in some way, suggesting her recommendation as an alumnus might hold some weight.

My intuition is that it would not be useful, and possibly counterproductive, but I said I'd look and see. Thoughts?

Not really, unless she was a recent graduate who was really loved by the Faculty.

 

[voxveritatisetlucis]

Depends on who is writing the letter. If they’re on the board of trustees or something obviously it will go much further

Actually was in a similar situation recently. Friend’s dad (alumni on some committee or something of med school I interviewed at) offered to write a letter but I politely declined. Didn’t want it to seem like I was seeking out an unfair advantage and I doubt it actually would have helped)