'networking' with schools- what, why, how and when

[blissworm]

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I've seen some of the adcoms on here ask applicants in the WAMCs and confidential if and how much they networked. This is new to me, I didn't realize applying to school would require this. Truthfully, I don't even know what this entails. An email at the beginning of the cycle to the dean of admissions? Find current students and invite them for a virtual cup of coffee after emailing them a Starbucks gift card? I don't go to a large and prestigious school...(the reason why I mention this is I recently found out the so called T30s make recruitment informational webinars at big name undergrads like Vandy, I saw Sinai do it...that's not happening at my little state school). What is networking why, when and how?

 

[theconfusedapplicant]

Honestly never heard of this, but it's definitely not necessary. I come from a state school, never networked, and am doing fine this cycle.

 

[EdgeTrimmer]

I only see one adcom/consultant recommending constantly in WAMC thread and never understood that. With most students applying for 15+ schools and schools getting thousands of application I don't think either applicants have time to network or schools have time to entertain and keep track.

 

[gyngyn]

I've seen some of the adcoms on here ask applicants in the WAMCs and confidential if and how much they networked. This is new to me, I didn't realize applying to school would require this. Truthfully, I don't even know what this entails. An email at the beginning of the cycle to the dean of admissions? Find current students and invite them for a virtual cup of coffee after emailing them a Starbucks gift card? I don't go to a large and prestigious school...(the reason why I mention this is I recently found out the so called T30s make recruitment informational webinars at big name undergrads like Vandy, I saw Sinai do it...that's not happening at my little state school). What is networking why, when and how?

Please don't do anything like this!
Fairs and such are for you to get to know more about the school, not for them to get to know you!
Anything more is neither required nor helpful.