Alexmai

Aside from a killer personal statement connecting with the grad program, great LOR, as well as experience in the field, etc., what else have people heard of doing to really set yourself apart from 500+ applicants at some of these reach schools? Just an example- I have a family friend who applied to Washington University and called the admissions department regularly inquiring (this is a little excessive in my opinion, but you get the idea). So what else is out there to do? Calling? Visiting? Mentioning your visit in your personal statement? Contacting a professor of a lab you're interested in and mentioning the professor? I guess I'm wondering what the etiquette is as far as what to do and what not to do and if anyone has any tips up their sleeve.