For posterity's sake, do you mind telling us which university it was? Or at least what "tier" university it was?
In my experience I've found (ironically), that it's generally the more reputable universities that are actually willing to do this, because "celebrity" (and I use that word very loosely) professors can talk a promising graduate student in over admissions department's veto at those institutions.
In my experience I've found (ironically), that it's generally the more reputable universities that are actually willing to do this, because "celebrity" (and I use that word very loosely) professors can talk a promising graduate student in over admissions department's veto at those institutions.