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geneman
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How to ask an "insider" for a plug. 23 Jan 2006, 01:57
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Question:
Some of my friends and co-workers are either alumni or actual faculty of schools I'm applying to. I am close enough to some of them to ask for help, but what exactly do I ask for? Another way to put it, how do I leverage them as resources through the standard application process? If they are faculty at the university, should I ask them to "put in a good word for me in admissions?" It sounds a little dirty if not unethical. Or do I mention their names in my essays, which also sounds a little bit like name dropping. What is the procedure on this? Do faculty often approach the admissions committee with quick recommendations? Does an applicant often mention names of the alumni he/she is close with? There's an option for having an alumni write a recommendation, but most schools prefer professional recommendations, so that's out. I'm sure many people have often wondered the same thing. How does one use their "insider" resources in an ethical and effective manner?

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How to ask an "insider" for a plug. 24 Jan 2006, 18:09
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geneman
Question:
Some of my friends and co-workers are either alumni or actual faculty of schools I'm applying to. I am close enough to some of them to ask for help, but what exactly do I ask for? Another way to put it, how do I leverage them as resources through the standard application process? If they are faculty at the university, should I ask them to "put in a good word for me in admissions?" It sounds a little dirty if not unethical. Or do I mention their names in my essays, which also sounds a little bit like name dropping. What is the procedure on this? Do faculty often approach the admissions committee with quick recommendations? Does an applicant often mention names of the alumni he/she is close with? There's an option for having an alumni write a recommendation, but most schools prefer professional recommendations, so that's out. I'm sure many people have often wondered the same thing. How does one use their "insider" resources in an ethical and effective manner?

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Good questions. First of all at most US b-schools, but not all, the faculty play a very limited role in admissions. That doesn't mean they can't have influence if they want to, but they are not involved in the routine nitty-gritty decision making.

There are two basic questions here: 1) How do you approach your network? 2) What should your network do?

The answer to #1 depends largely on your relationship with the person. If it is a casual acquaintance, you may want to approach them and ask if they have any suggestions for you as you apply. Maybe they will offer to put in a good word or do so without even telling you. If you are comfortable asking for their assistance, then ask, but let them decide who they are most comfortable preceeding and whom they can approach.

I don't believe there is anything unethical in someone with a relationship to a decision-maker going to that decision maker and saying, "I know a great candidate. He has done A, B, and C. He will be a great asset for the school." As long as this person is factual, he or she is serving as a reference and adding credibility to your application. For example, today a client called me up and recommended a neighbor as an editor for Accepted.com. She told me his qualifications and gave a character reference. I appreciated it. I know that she knows what Accepted.comis about and what I expect of my editors.

In terms of mentioning names, don't mention them to mention them. But if you talked to Jane Smith and she gave you some great insight into the program that convinced you it is where you want to spend the next two years and learn about business, mention her name to add credibility to your observation and show you did your homework.

Good luck!