Will knowing a professor help me get accepted?

[NextGreatLeader]

Through a series of events at my job, I've had the opportunity to form a relationship with a professor at a top business school. However, my relationship with him isn't strong enough where I would want him to write a recommendation for me. Nevertheless, are there any strategies I can use to take advantage of this relationship when applying to that school?

[Stacey Oyler]

Hi,

Thanks for your post. This is a great question. It's always wise to take advantage of one's network when applying to business school, however, in order to do this the candidate should have a solid relationship with the person/people in their network that they are hoping to utilize. In your situation it sounds like you have a great relationship with this professor, but that it's perhaps not substantial enough for him to feel comfortable writing you a letter of recommendation. I suggest that you let him know you plan to apply and perhaps follow up again after you submitted your application, but I do think the ball is in his court as to whether or not he feels comfortable contacting the adcom on your behalf. As a former adcom member I can tell you that simply knowing a professor isn't enough to get accepted to bschool, but it's always a good thing to point out if you can.

Best,

Stacey