They may not market it that way, but they definitely do. In my program, you are admitted by a specific professor behind the scenes. You may end up working for s

They may not market it that way, but they definitely do. In my program, you are admitted by a specific professor behind the scenes. You may end up working for someone different during your first year, but there is a specific advisor who said "I think this person is good and I have money for them."