OasisNYK wrote:
I have applied to 4 schools so far and interacted with the admissions directors at 2 schools. So far my experience at the schools where I have been able to meet the directors has been fantastic - a lot more attention, response to e-mails, and even being invited for interviews.
My question to the group is - how much do you think access to the director of admissions can really help you? And if you do get to communicate with them, what should you let them know?
That's the key, interact, don't shotgun simple FAQs or attempt to be overly obseqious.
As for some of the lower tier schools, interaction can have amazing results. I flew over from Japan and had lunch with the Dean of Admissions at WXY school last spring and we continue to exchange mails to this day (of course, I was visiting my mother at the same time.)
Regarding the ultra-elites, I would venture to guess that they are already inundated with candidates using this exact strategy, so depending on what you say and how you say it, it may not yield dividends. Most schools have open discussion boards/forums staffed by adcom assistants. Keep asking the right questions and they will refer you to the Dean.
If you really want to make an impression, go and visit the school a few times
before initiating the interaction. That will give you some "meat" to add to your questions, getting you something more than the same old copy and paste responses.