Having recommender call schools?

[Abibas]

I have two interviews and no acceptances yet... and still about 12 schools to hear from. My career advisor suggested asking my letter of recommendation writer to call a handful of schools and speak with the dean. Has anyone done this? Any thoughts? Any qualifications on when this might be appropriate (pre-interview, post-interview, only after a decision has been made)?

 

[JohnMadden]

I highly doubt it would help, but it can't hurt. Can it?

 

[crimsonkid85]

if your recommender is a bigwig, and if the people who he calls know him and respect him, you'll get in. if the school has no idea who he is other than the fact that he's your recommender....i doubt it will help.

 

[tictaq]

It's a good idea.
I know someone who had his premed advisor call the dean at WashU and tell the dean that the school was his first choice.

He got in on the 15th of May!

 

[gocoastal]

so...no qualms about being the kid got in because he knew so-and-so?

 

[JohnMadden]

Still an MD in the end...