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Kind of a bizzare question. Any insight/opinions you all may have is greatly appreciated!

I used to work for someone who is now the Director of a pretty prestigous program at the T2 school to which I have sent a transfer app. (Side note: I worked for him prior to his involvement with the University). Anyway, he is fairly "high up" at the University, but not the law school specifically. I asked him to write one of my LOR's, which he graciously did. He later emailed me and stated that he and the Law School dean were personal friends, and that he was going to give her a call about my application.

Is this pretty standard? I guess I am just concerned that this will come off as an attempt to call in favors, resulting in a negative effect on my application. OR, could this help in my chances of being accepted? I personally have never really heard of a recommender phoning the dean on your behalf, but that doesnt mean its not a common practice of which I was just unaware. If it is prevelant, I would assume it won't be of much help since Dean's must get tired of fielding calls from friends and colleagues about potential students. But, if it isn't common, then I'm posed with the question: Does it help, or does it hurt?

Thanks for your thoughts, and best of luck to the rest of you who are also in Transfer Limbo Land!

Unless the guy's a socially akward idiot and just says, "Please admit this guy" like you're standing there with a gun next to his head it should help you out quite a bit. (As long as your application is somewhat competitive).

This is pretty much as good as it gets.

Total Litigator wrote:Unless the guy's a socially akward idiot and just says, "Please admit this guy" like you're standing there with a gun next to his head it should help you out quite a bit. (As long as your application is somewhat competitive).

I would say my application is pretty competitive. Top 10% after first semester (should stay there after spring ranks come out), 2 CALI's, LR and a T.A. position for next year at my current school. But, I have heard of this school being particulary selective about its transfer students. I've read of people from last years cycle who were denied with similar stats.

IMO it is not common, and it will either help or make no difference. You have a couple of things going for you here. First, this person volunteered to call the dean. I take that as a sign that they think very highly of you. Second because this recommender and the law school dean are "high up" at the university that he will not be annoyed by the phone call and will likely respect the opinion of your recommender. I do however think that is possible that the law school dean might not pass on the information to whoever makes the admissions decisions.

LeagleBeagle wrote:

Total Litigator wrote:Unless the guy's a socially akward idiot and just says, "Please admit this guy" like you're standing there with a gun next to his head it should help you out quite a bit. (As long as your application is somewhat competitive).

I would say my application is pretty competitive. Top 10% after first semester (should stay there after spring ranks come out), 2 CALI's, LR and a T.A. position for next year at my current school. But, I have heard of this school being particulary selective about its transfer students. I've read of people from last years cycle who were denied with similar stats.

Then yes I think you should be fine. Furthermore, if you're coming from a solid T3 with those numbers you have excellent chance at T2 admission regardless of an LOR and great chance at being accepted for transfer at a T1 or even a T30 (there are some top 10% T3 transfers at my T20). If you're coming from a solid T4, I'd say that you are a still strong contender for a T2 transfer, even without an LOR.

But the above post is also credited. What's really important is that the decision maker is informed as well. That being said, many schools will have the Dean sign off on transfer acceptances, so it might work out that way too.