Connections?

[bdon19]

I was wondering what you guys know/think about connections between current professors and the departments you're applying to. I go to a small LAC, and a number of my professors got their degrees from the programs I'm considering--coincidentally, in most cases. Actually, somewhat ironically, the professors in my two primary areas of interest attended the same program, one which a friend of mine just got into and I'm quite seriously looking into.

Is this common? And should I pursue any and all connections I might be able to find? I know I have a few that would make the effort if I asked them, but I've always been part of the "don't be annoying" crowd, and throwing my name out there makes me a bit uncomfortable. But if I have the option, I might as well try, right?

Sorry for the rambling, overly-anecdotal post! This is what happens when I have free time at the temp jobs that give me the money to pay my application fees and daily solidify my desire not to venture out into the business world.

Edited November 10, 2011 by bdon19

[runonsentence]

Academia, like many professions, is all about networking. So yes, potential connections can be helpful. I'm sure it contributed to some of my success in my most recent application season.

It would certainly help to make your LoRs more compelling to an adcom, if your writer came from that institution. (Though I don't think you need to say things to your writers like, "Hey, can you be sure to remind the adcom you went to X university?") You might consider asking some faculty to write you letters if they came from universities you apply to.

I've never asked a professor to specifically contact someone at his/her alma mater (outside the realm of LoRs) while I was applying, but maybe others here have and can speak to productive ways of suggesting this to your mentors. It's something to approach with tact, I think.

Edited August 3, 2011 by runonsentence