Can keeping in touch with admissions counselors increase your chances?

[Nico Corr]

I was thinking it would be wise to keep in contact with the counselor from my current top choices, and I've read it before, but does being in touch really increase your chances? Is it true that they could potentially remember you when admissions roll around, perhaps put it in a good word for you? How can I keep in touch with them without seeming like a pest?

[TakeruK]

Maybe it depends on the field, but in many research disciplines, there are no admissions counselors for PhD programs. 

[Nico Corr]

On 2/26/2016 at 1:00 PM, TakeruK said:

Maybe it depends on the field, but in many research disciplines, there are no admissions counselors for PhD programs. 

Thanks for the response TakeruK. I am trying to get into the field of International relations and more specifically conflict resolution.

[artsy16]

For my applications, all applicants were assigned an "admissions counselor" that was a point person for making sure all application materials were in. Once complete, they were no longer the point person and any questions should be directed at the department. Note that I applied for PhD programs, so Master's may be different. Generally in PhD programs, you apply to work with a specific faculty or research team, and there are either no admissions counselors, or they do exist but have no input on your application. Instead, the professor or research team chooses to accept, waitlist, or reject your application.