11/27   Let's say you're applying to a grad school with an emphasis in
        complexity theory and would perhaps like to work with Professor Z.
        Will the admission committee actually forward your application to
        Professor Z (who may look at your entire application), or will the
        admission committee determine everything?
        \_Professor Z doesn't teach complexity theory anymore.
        \_ this question is too complex
        \_ call prof Z, try to set up a meeting and talk to him/her in
           person if you can.
           person if you can.  If you don't get along with the prof, better
           to find out now and not bother going there than apply, get in,
           start work for prof Z, and be totally miserable.  if you *do*
           get along, they will certainly help you to get in. either
           way, there is nothing to loose and everything to gain from
           trying to talk to the target prof as early as possible.-grad student
        \_ Dude, you're getting a Dell.
        \_ Little-informed guess would say that if Professor Z doesn't know
           you and you don't make the cut for them to even look at the entire
           application, it'll be tossed. -chialea, also worried about it
        \_ May I suggest you try to contact Professor Z prior to submitting
           your application?  At the very worst, a polite introductory letter
           (snail mail is probably best for this sort of thing) to Professor
           Z will increase the chance that he'll remember your name if the
           application crosses his desk.  Who knows, if you show sufficient
           interest and clue, perhaps Professor Z will get back to you and
           possibly take steps to increase your chances of admission.